Ohio Grade 4 students take the Ohio State Tests (OST) in math and English Language Arts each year as part of the state’s accountability system. The Grade 4 OST Math assessment measures student mastery of the Ohio Learning Standards (OLS) for Mathematics — which are closely aligned to the major, supporting, and additional clusters from the Common Core State Standards. Grade 4 is one of the most content-rich years of elementary math: multi-digit multiplication and division, fraction equivalence and operations, measurement conversions, and angle geometry all appear for the first time or expand significantly.
This guide covers the highest-priority OST Grade 4 math topics, sample worksheet-style problems with answers, common mistakes, and a four-week study plan for families and teachers.
ViewMath is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. For official OST information, visit education.ohio.gov.
OST Grade 4 Math: Top Tested Topics
Multi-Digit Multiplication and Division
The major work of Grade 4 centers on extending multiplication and division to larger numbers. Ohio Grade 4 students must:
- Multiply a four-digit number by a one-digit number
- Multiply two two-digit numbers
- Find whole-number quotients and remainders with up to four-digit dividends and one-digit divisors
- Solve multi-step word problems using multiplication and division
Fractions: Equivalence, Comparison, and Operations
Fractions are a major focus of the Grade 4 OST. Students must:
- Explain and generate equivalent fractions using visual models and number lines
- Compare two fractions with different numerators and different denominators by creating common denominators or using benchmark fractions
- Add and subtract fractions with like denominators
- Add and subtract mixed numbers with like denominators
- Multiply a fraction by a whole number using repeated addition and visual models
Decimals and Place Value
Grade 4 extends the place value system to include tenths and hundredths. Students convert fractions with denominators of 10 and 100 to decimals, compare decimals to the hundredths using place value understanding, and write decimal notation for fractions (e.g., 47/100 = 0.47).
Measurement and Conversion
Students solve problems involving measurement conversions within a single system: converting between feet and inches, yards and feet, kilograms and grams, liters and milliliters, hours and minutes, and minutes and seconds. Problems are often two-step, requiring conversion before solving.
Geometry: Angle Measurement and Shape Classification
Grade 4 formally introduces angle measurement using a protractor. Students:
- Recognize angles as fractions of a circle
- Measure angles to the nearest degree
- Add and subtract to find unknown angles in a figure
- Classify quadrilaterals by their properties (parallel sides, angle measures)
- Identify lines of symmetry in two-dimensional figures
OST Grade 4 Sample Problems with Answers
Multi-Digit Multiplication
A factory produces 1,243 bottles per day. How many bottles does it produce in 7 days?
Solution: 1,243 × 7 = 8,701 bottles. Answer: 8,701 bottles.
Fraction Comparison
Which is greater, 3/4 or 5/8? Show your reasoning.
Solution: Convert 3/4 to eighths: 3/4 = 6/8. Since 6/8 > 5/8, the answer is 3/4 is greater. Alternatively, 3/4 = 0.75 and 5/8 = 0.625, so 3/4 > 5/8.
Adding Fractions
A student ran 2 3/8 miles on Monday and 1 5/8 miles on Tuesday. How many miles did the student run in all?
Solution: 2 3/8 + 1 5/8 = 3 8/8 = 3 + 1 = 4 miles. Answer: 4 miles.
Measurement Conversion
A recipe calls for 3 pounds of flour. The store sells flour in 48-ounce bags. Is one bag enough? (1 pound = 16 ounces)
Solution: 3 pounds = 3 × 16 = 48 ounces. One bag contains exactly 48 ounces. Answer: Yes, one 48-ounce bag is exactly enough.
Angle Problem
Two angles form a straight line. One angle measures 65°. What is the measure of the other angle?
Solution: Angles on a straight line sum to 180°. 180° − 65° = 115°. Answer: 115°.
Decimal Notation
Write 3/10 + 7/100 as a decimal.
Solution: 3/10 = 30/100. 30/100 + 7/100 = 37/100 = 0.37. Answer: 0.37.
Common OST Grade 4 Math Mistakes
- Multi-digit multiplication regrouping errors: The most common error is forgetting to add the regrouped amount after multiplying a digit. Writing the partial product in full before adding helps — e.g., “7 × 3 = 21, write 1, carry 2” rather than computing mentally.
- Adding fractions with unlike denominators too early: If asked to add 3/4 and 5/8, students sometimes add 3 + 5 = 8 and 4 + 8 = 12 and get 8/12. Reinforce: convert to a common denominator first.
- Decimal place value confusion: Students sometimes write 3/10 as 0.03 (confusing tenths with hundredths). Using a place value chart with labeled columns prevents this error.
- Angle addition errors in multi-angle figures: In a figure with several labeled angles, students sometimes add all angles instead of only the ones needed. Encourage students to mark which angles they are adding and trace the figure with a finger before computing.
4-Week OST Grade 4 Math Study Plan
Week 1: Multi-Digit Multiplication and Division
Practice multi-digit multiplication using partial products and the standard algorithm. Cover word problems requiring students to identify which operation to use. Introduce long division with 3- and 4-digit dividends. End with a 10-question quiz including 3 word problems.
Week 2: Fractions — Equivalence, Comparison, and Addition
Cover fraction equivalence using area models and number lines. Practice generating equivalent fractions and comparing fractions with different denominators. Cover adding and subtracting fractions and mixed numbers with like denominators, and multiplying a fraction by a whole number.
Week 3: Decimals, Measurement, and Geometry
Cover decimal notation for tenths and hundredths, and comparing decimals. Practice measurement conversion problems within one system. Cover angle measurement and classification, and shape properties (symmetry, parallel sides, right angles).
Week 4: Mixed Review and Full Practice Test
Complete a 20-question mixed review covering all prior topics. Identify which categories produced the most errors. Spend two sessions on targeted review of weak areas. Finish with a timed full-length practice test session.
Ohio Grade 4 Math Resources
ViewMath offers Grade 4 math practice books, workbooks, and study guides aligned to the Ohio Learning Standards and the skill areas tested on the OST. Browse the full Grade 4 collection in the sidebar below.
ViewMath is an independent publisher. Our materials are not official OST or Ohio Department of Education materials.
