How to Do Long Division, Step by Step (With Examples)
Long division uses a repeating four-step cycle: divide, multiply, subtract, bring down. Once you know the pattern, you can divide numbers of any size. Here's the method with a clear worked example.
The four steps
- Divide — how many times does the divisor go into the current digit(s)?
- Multiply — multiply that answer by the divisor.
- Subtract — subtract to find what's left.
- Bring down — bring down the next digit and repeat.
Worked example: 528 ÷ 4
Multiply: 1 × 4 = 4.
Subtract: 5 − 4 = 1.
Bring down the 2 → you now have 12.
Divide: 12 ÷ 4 = 3. Write 3.
Multiply: 3 × 4 = 12.
Subtract: 12 − 12 = 0.
Bring down the 8 → you now have 8.
Divide: 8 ÷ 4 = 2. Write 2.
Multiply: 2 × 4 = 8.
Subtract: 8 − 8 = 0. Nothing left to bring down.
Answer: 528 ÷ 4 = 132 (no remainder).
What about remainders?
If the final subtraction doesn't reach zero, the leftover number is the remainder. For example, 530 ÷ 4 = 132 remainder 2, because after dividing you have 2 left over.
How to check your answer
Use this rule: (quotient × divisor) + remainder = the original number. For 132 × 4 = 528, which matches — so the answer is correct.
Other ways to divide
If the classic bracket layout is tricky, two friendlier strategies are partial quotients (subtracting easy chunks) and the box method. All three give the same answer.
Frequently asked questions
What are the steps of long division?
Divide, multiply, subtract, and bring down — then repeat until there are no digits left to bring down.
How do I handle a remainder?
Whatever is left after the final subtraction is the remainder. You can write it as "r2", as a fraction, or continue into decimals.
Where can I practice with steps shown?
Use the free Long Division Calculator to see every step for any numbers.