The standard algorithm, and when your child learns it

The standard algorithm is the column method most parents learned: carrying in addition, borrowing in subtraction, and long multiplication. Children still learn it. The Common Core expects it for adding and subtracting in fourth grade, multiplying in fifth and dividing in sixth, after place-value methods that show why it works.

Checked October 29, 2026 against the sources listed at the end.

When each standard algorithm is expected

When the Common Core expects the standard algorithm
Operation	Grade	Before that
Adding and subtracting multi-digit numbers	4th grade	Place-value strategies and drawings in grades 1 to 3, such as the open number line
Multiplying multi-digit numbers	5th grade	The area model and partial products in 4th grade
Dividing multi-digit numbers	6th grade	Place-value strategies for division in 4th and 5th grade
Adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing decimals	6th grade	Models and place-value strategies with decimals in 5th grade

So if your second grader isn't carrying the one yet, that's by design: second graders add and subtract with strategies based on place value and relate them to a written method. The column method arrives once the reasons behind it are in place.

Adding with regrouping: 47 + 38

The ones make 15: write 5 and carry 1 ten to the tens column.

Ones: 7 + 8 = 15. Write 5, carry 1.
Tens: 4 + 3 + 1 carried = 8. Write 8.
Answer: 85.

Teachers usually say regroup rather than carry: ten ones become one ten. It's the same step with a name that says why.

Subtracting with regrouping: 52 − 27

Ones: 2 is less than 7, so regroup one ten as ten ones: 2 becomes 12. 12 − 7 = 5.
Tens: 4 (after regrouping) − 2 = 2.
Answer: 25. Check: 25 + 27 = 52.

What you may call borrowing, your child's class may call regrouping or trading. Nothing is borrowed and given back; a ten is broken into ten ones.

Long multiplication: 46 × 23

One row for each digit of 23: 46 × 3 = 138 and 46 × 20 = 920, then add.

The first row is 46 × 3 = 138. The second row is 46 × 20 = 920, which is why it ends in a zero (or starts one place to the left). Adding the rows: 138 + 920 = 1,058.

Those rows are the area model's rows added up, so a child who learned the area model first can see what each row means.

Helping with homework

Ask what method the class is using this week before you show yours. If the homework is practicing a place-value strategy, the column method skips the point of the lesson.
When your child is ready for the standard method, connect it to what they know: "the 1 you carry is a ten, like the jump to the next ten on your number line".
Line digits up carefully; squared paper helps.
Estimate first and check the answer is close.
If your child's teacher uses different words or a different layout, use theirs. The point is that your child hears one way of explaining it, not two competing ones; a quick note to the teacher asking "how do you want this shown?" is always welcome.

Try it

Print three-digit addition, three-digit subtraction and two-digit by two-digit multiplication worksheets, each with an answer key. Base-ten blocks on screen show regrouping: ten ones swapped for a ten rod.

Questions parents ask

Is it bad to teach my child the way I learned?

Not bad, but time it with the teacher. If the class is still building place-value strategies, an early shortcut can make the lessons harder to follow. Ask the teacher when the standard method is coming and practice it then.

Why not teach the standard algorithm first?

Because on its own it hides the reasons, and without them the classic mistakes are easy to make, like subtracting the smaller digit from the bigger one in every column. The standards still expect the standard method; they put understanding first.

Practice at your child's level

Peabody, our site for children, has free stories and learning games written at each reading level and math grade, with no sign-up. Start where your child is comfortable, not where the calendar says.

Start reading on Peabody Peabody asks your child's grade, starts the stories a little under it, and moves the level as books run easy or hard.
Reading levels and math by grade Where each grade starts, and a page for every level and math path.
The free library Stories sorted by level, to read on screen.
Decodable readers Stories built from the sounds a beginning reader has been taught.

Where this comes from

Written for parents, to use alongside your child's teacher, not instead of them. General information only, not professional, medical or legal advice. Checked on October 29, 2026. Something wrong or out of date? Write to hello@peabody.kids.