How to Divide 2-Digit by 1-Digit Numbers in 3 Easy Steps

Dividing a 2-digit number by a 1-digit number is a foundational math skill typically taught in Grades 2 and 3. While some problems can be solved quickly using multiplication facts, others require the step-by-step process of long division. Many students struggle with recalling multiplication facts, breaking down the steps, or understanding what to do with remainders.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the long division method in 3 simple steps—using clear visuals and examples to help your child build confidence and accuracy. Free practice worksheets are available at the end.

Dividing 2-digit by 1-digit numbers

For smaller 2-digit ÷ 1-digit problems, the Multiplication Table is our best tool. The division is the inverse operation of multiplication. If we know our multiplication facts well, dividing becomes much faster.

For example, if we know:

7×7=49

Then we can solve this quickly:

49÷7=7

But when the 2-digit number is bigger or the division is more complicated, we need Long Division.

Need help dividing 3-digit by 2-digit numbers? Check out our other blog: Dividing 3-digit by 2-digit numbers.

3 Steps to solve 2-Digit ÷ 1-Digit Using Long Division

We often use Long Division, also called the Division Algorithm, to solve complicated 2-digit ÷ 1-digit problems. Let’s look at the following example, where 98 is the dividend (the number being divided) and 7 is the divisor  (the number we divide by).

Step 1: Divide the First Digit(s)

Look at the first digit of the dividend, which is 9.

Find how many times the divisor can divide that number (or numbers) without exceeding that number.

The result is 1.

Step 2: Multiply and Write the Result

Take the quotient from Step 1 and multiply it by the divisor.

7 × 1 = 7

Write the result under the digits we just divided.

Step 3: Subtract

Subtract the result from Step 2 from the digits above.

9 – 7 = 2

The diagram below shows the current step-by-step process of Long Division.

We are not done yet! When there are more digits in the dividend, we bring down the next digit to continue dividing.

Repeat the Steps

Bring down the next digit 8, place it next to the 2, turning 2 into 28, and repeat Steps 1, 2, and 3 until the leftover part is smaller than the divisor (that’s the remainder), or zero (no remainder).

• Step 1: Divide

28 ÷ 7 = 4

• Step 2: Multiply

7 × 4 = 28

• Step 3: Subtract

28 – 28 = 0

The remainder is 0.

Final Answer:

98 ÷ 7 = 14

No remainder.

The diagram below shows the complete step-by-step process of Long Division.

Example Problems: Using Long Division to Solve 2-Digit ÷ 1-Digit

Example 1

Problem:

Calculate the result by division

94÷2

Solution:

The answer is 47.

Example 2

Problem:

What is the quotient of the following division? What is the remainder?

89÷3

Solution:

The quotient is 29 and the remainder is 2.

Summary: How to Solve 2-Digit ÷ 1-Digit Using Long Division

Recap the steps to Solve 2-Digit ÷ 1-Digit Using Long Division:

• Look at the first digit(s). If it’s smaller than the divisor, check the first two digits. Divide by the divisor without going over.
• Multiply the divisor by the result and write it under the digits you just divided.
• Subtract to find what’s left.
• Repeat divide → multiply → subtract until:
  • The remainder is smaller than the divisor (that’s your remainder), or
  • There’s nothing left (no remainder—you’re done!).

Want more printable worksheets for practicing?

To access more printable worksheets on other math topics, visit this page.

Additional Math Topics for Division – with Free Worksheets

• Grade 4: How to Divide 3-Digit by 2-Digit Numbers in 3 Easy Steps
• Grade 6: How to Divide Fractions in 3 Simple Steps
• Algebra 1:
  • How to Divide a Polynomial by a Monomial in 2 Simple Steps
  • How to Divide Polynomials in 4 Simple Steps

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