Classroom · Greater than and less than · 1st and 2nd grade

Comparing two-digit numbers worksheets

Q: How do you teach comparing two-digit numbers?

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. Build both numbers with base ten blocks or bundles of 10 straws. Children see the tens decide almost every time.

A free five-page pack for 1st and 2nd grade: learn to compare two-digit numbers using tens and ones, with a worked example, practice pages, word problems and an answer key.

Download the comparing two-digit numbers pack(5 pages, color)Ink saver (B&W)

Watch it solved

56 sec · with voice and captions

A pencil works one example of each activity, so you can see how the worksheet goes before you print it. Tap a step to jump to it. The rest of the sheet is left for your child to finish.

Read what the video says

0:00 Let's practice comparing two-digit numbers, step by step.
0:04 Compare the tens first: 72 > 59, because 7 tens is more than 5 tens. If the tens are the same, compare the ones.
0:15 98 > 72, because 9 tens is more than 7 tens.
0:22 56 < 57. The tens are the same, so compare the ones: 7 is more than 6.
0:29 Write the numbers from least to greatest: 29, 58, 76, 97.
0:37 Word problems. Aisha picked 49 apples. Omar picked 86 apples. Who picked more? The answer is Omar, because 49 < 86.
0:49 Great job! Now print the free worksheet, and finish the rest on your own.

How to do it

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.

Teaching tip

Build both numbers with base ten blocks or bundles of 10 straws. Children see the tens decide almost every time.

Try some

93 ? 94Tap to check93 < 94
98 ? 72Tap to check98 > 72
68 ? 69Tap to check68 < 69
30 ? 32Tap to check30 < 32
90 ? 90Tap to check90 = 90
36 ? 36Tap to check36 = 36
31 ? 32Tap to check31 < 32
91 ? 78Tap to check91 > 78

Word problems

Aisha picked 49 apples. Omar picked 86 apples. Who picked more?Show answer

Omar (49 < 86)

The red box holds 62 crayons and the blue box holds 10. Which box has fewer crayons?Show answer

the blue box (10 < 62)

Omar has 86 stickers. Write a number of stickers that is greater than Omar's.Show answer

any number greater than 86, for example 87

Aisha counted 10 birds in the park. Omar counted 10 birds too. Write >, < or = to compare.Show answer

10 = 10

What the worksheets look like

Comparing two-digit numbers worksheet: learn the signs, then a first practice — Page 1: learn the signs, then a first practice

Comparing two-digit numbers worksheet: compare the numbers — Page 2: compare the numbers

Greater than and less than chart

The three signs with pictures and examples, to keep on the wall or the desk.

Template(1 page, color)Ink saver (B&W)

Common questions

How do you teach comparing two-digit numbers?

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. Build both numbers with base ten blocks or bundles of 10 straws. Children see the tens decide almost every time.

What grade learns comparing two-digit numbers?

Usually 1st and 2nd grade. In the Common Core it is part of 1.NBT.B.3.

Is there an answer key?

Yes. Page 5 has every answer from the pack and a short teaching tip.