Expanded Form Worksheets for Grades 2–3
Updated on October 16, 2026
Expanded form shows a number as the sum of the values of its digits. For example, the expanded form of 456 is 400 + 50 + 6. Our free expanded form worksheets help kids in grades 2–3 break numbers into hundreds, tens, and ones, switch between expanded and standard form, and build a strong understanding of place value.
Want extra support with place value? Book a first lesson with our elementary math tutors and see how 1:1 teaching works.
Free Expanded Form Worksheets (PDF)
The set starts with 2nd grade worksheets that use 2- and 3-digit numbers, like 45 = 40 + 5 and 785 = 700 + 80 + 5. The next worksheets add matching, true-or-false questions, and short word problems, plus a few challenge problems with 4- to 6-digit numbers for kids who are ready for more. Every PDF includes an answer key.
Standard Form, Expanded Form, and Word Form
The same number can be written in three ways:
- Standard form: 352
- Expanded form: 300 + 50 + 2
- Word form: three hundred fifty-two
To write a number in expanded form, look at each digit and write the value it has in its place. In 352, the 3 is in the hundreds place, so it is worth 300; the 5 is in the tens place, so it is worth 50; and the 2 is in the ones place, so it is worth 2. When a digit is 0, its value is 0, so 904 = 900 + 4.
Expanded Form vs. Expanded Notation
Expanded notation is a closely related way to write the same idea. Instead of writing each place value as one number, it shows the digit multiplied by its place value:
- Expanded form: 352 = 300 + 50 + 2
- Expanded notation: 352 = (3 × 100) + (5 × 10) + (2 × 1)
Most kids learn expanded form first in 2nd grade. Expanded notation usually comes later, once they know their multiplication facts and work with larger numbers.
How to Use These Worksheets
Start with 2-digit numbers so your child sees that 45 means 4 tens and 5 ones. Move to 3-digit numbers once that feels easy, and save the challenge problems with larger numbers for the end. Short, regular practice works best: one or two pages a few times a week is enough to make place value stick.
Why Expanded Form Matters
It builds place value understanding
Writing 785 as 700 + 80 + 5 shows kids that the same digit can have very different values depending on where it sits. This is the core idea behind place value.
It makes mental math easier
Kids who can split numbers into parts add and subtract more easily. For example, 46 + 32 becomes 40 + 30 and 6 + 2, which gives 70 + 8 = 78.
It prepares kids for larger numbers
Once children understand hundreds, tens, and ones, the same pattern carries over to thousands and beyond, which is why the worksheets end with a few bigger numbers.
More place value practice
Frequently Asked Questions
What is expanded form in math?
Expanded form is a way of writing a number as the sum of the values of its digits. For example, 639 in expanded form is 600 + 30 + 9.
What is the difference between expanded form and expanded notation?
Expanded form writes each place value as a number, like 352 = 300 + 50 + 2. Expanded notation shows each digit multiplied by its place value, like 352 = (3 × 100) + (5 × 10) + (2 × 1). Both describe the same number.
What grade learns expanded form?
Kids usually learn expanded form in 2nd grade, when they work with 3-digit numbers. In 3rd grade they keep using it with larger numbers and in mental math, and in 4th grade they apply it to multi-digit numbers.
How do you write a number with a zero in expanded form?
Skip the zero or write it as 0. For example, 904 can be written as 900 + 4 or 900 + 0 + 4. Both are correct.
Help your child reach their full potential!
Answer a few quick questions about your child’s learning, and we’ll recommend next steps.
Struggling with Сounting?
- Is your child finding it hard to grasp the basics of counting?
- An online tutor could be of assistance.
Choose kid's grade
Does your child struggle with understanding counting lessons? Try learning with an online tutor.
Book FREE lesson
