What is a remainder?

When one number does not divide exactly into another, the amount left over is the remainder. For example, 13 divided by 4 is 3 with a remainder of 1, because 4 goes into 13 three times (12) and 1 is left over.

Examples

• 13 ÷ 4 = 3 remainder 1.
• 20 ÷ 6 = 3 remainder 2.
• 15 ÷ 5 = 3 remainder 0 (divides exactly).

Quick facts

• The remainder is always smaller than the number you are dividing by.
• A remainder of 0 means the division is exact.