Short Division – Step-by-Step Bus Stop Method

Short division (also called the bus stop method) is the standard written method for dividing a large number by a single digit. It is clean, compact, and reliable.

Setting Up

Write the dividend under a division bracket, and the divisor to the left. Work from left to right, digit by digit.

Worked Example 1: 852 ÷ 4

Work left to right one digit at a time. Any remainder is carried to the next digit.

Worked Example 2: 4,263 ÷ 6

A four-digit dividend — note how the first digit (4) is smaller than the divisor, so a carry begins immediately.

With a Decimal Answer

If there is a remainder, you can continue by adding a decimal point and a zero and carrying on the division.

Try It Yourself

Enter any dividend and divisor to see the short division layout step by step.

Key Takeaways

Work left to right, digit by digit.
When a digit is too small, carry the remainder to the next digit.
Check: quotient × divisor + remainder = dividend.

Practice: Short Division

Divide Using the Bus Stop Method