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Classroom · Math · CCSS K.CC.C.6, K.CC.C.7, 1.NBT.B.3, 2.NBT.A.4
worksheets for kindergarten to 2nd grade
Compare two numbers and write >, < or = between them. Children start by comparing groups of pictures, then numbers to 20, then two-digit and three-digit numbers by looking at the tens and hundreds first.
- Comparing numbers to 10Kindergarten
Count each group. The group with more is greater. Match the pictures one to one: the group with pictures left over has more. Then write the sign: 6 > 4.
- Comparing numbers to 20Kindergarten and 1st grade
Numbers from 11 to 20 are one ten and some ones. Compare the ones when both numbers have one ten: 17 > 14 because 7 is more than 4. Any teen number is greater than a number from 0 to 9.
- Comparing two-digit numbers1st and 2nd grade
Compare the tens first. 72 > 59 because 7 tens is more than 5 tens. If the tens are the same, compare the ones: 48 > 45, because 8 ones is more than 5 ones.
- Comparing three-digit numbers2nd grade
Line the numbers up and compare from the left. Hundreds first, then tens, then ones. 405 > 398 because 4 hundreds is more than 3 hundreds, even though 98 looks big.
Greater than and less than chart
Greater than and less than chartThe three signs with pictures and examples, to keep on the wall or the desk.
What is in each pack
- 1. Learn the signsWhat >, < and = mean, how to read them, and a first set to compare.
- 2. CompareFifteen pairs of numbers to compare with >, < or =.
- 3. Skill pageCount and compare groups of pictures, or order numbers and write a number that makes it true.
- 4. Word problemsFour short stories that ask who has more or fewer.
- 5. Answer key and tipEvery answer on one page, plus a teaching tip for grown-ups.
How to teach greater than and less than
- Start with more and fewer. Before the signs, ask which group has more. Line up two rows of counters and match them one to one.
- Read the sign aloud. Always say the whole sentence: 12 is greater than 9. Reading it aloud fixes which way the sign goes.
- Look at the biggest place first. For 58 and 61, look at the tens: 6 tens is more than 5 tens, so 61 is greater, whatever the ones say.
- Use a number line. The number farther to the right is greater. A quick sketch settles any argument.
Common questions
Which way does the greater than sign go?
The wide open side faces the bigger number and the point faces the smaller one. 7 > 3 is read seven is greater than three, and 3 < 7 is read three is less than seven.
What is an easy way to remember the signs?
Many teachers say the sign is a hungry fish whose mouth always opens toward the bigger number. Another way: the sign points at the smaller number.
How do you compare two-digit numbers?
Look at the tens first. The number with more tens is greater. If the tens are the same, compare the ones: 46 > 43 because 6 ones is more than 3 ones.
Can I copy these worksheets for my class?
Yes. The PDFs are free to print and photocopy for classroom and home use, in color or in the black-and-white ink saver. Please link to this page rather than re-uploading the files.
