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Comparing Numbers Worksheets

12 free PDFsUS Letter or A4Answer key includedNo login

Compare numbers with >, < and = to 20, 50 and 100, compare tens and ones, order three numbers, and compare number sentences, with answer keys.

Download the comparing numbers worksheets

Greater than, less than, equal to

Write >, < or = for numbers to 20, to 50 and to 100.

Compare with tens and ones

Write the tens and ones of each number before comparing, and put three numbers in order.

Compare number sentences

Work out each side and compare sums and differences with >, < or =.

Print at 100% (actual size) for the cleanest tracing lines.

About these comparing numbers worksheets

In first grade, children compare two-digit numbers by looking at the tens first and then the ones, and record the result with >, < or =. These comparing numbers worksheets build that skill step by step.

Pages start with numbers to 20, then to 50 and 100. The problems are chosen with care: many pairs share a tens digit, so children must look at the ones, and some pairs swap digits, like 47 and 74, so children cannot just look at the first digit they see. The tens and ones pages ask children to write how many tens and ones before they compare. Order pages put three numbers from least to greatest or greatest to least, and number sentence pages compare sums and differences like 7 + 6 and 13.

Each page has the symbols reminder at the top and an answer key on page 2. Pages print in black and white on US Letter or A4.

Standards

  • CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.1.NBT.B.3Compare two two-digit numbers based on meanings of the tens and ones digits, recording the results of comparisons with the symbols >, =, and <.
  • CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.1.OA.D.7Understand the meaning of the equal sign, and determine if equations involving addition and subtraction are true or false. For example, which of the following equations are true and which are false? 6 = 6, 7 = 8 - 1, 5 + 2 = 2 + 5, 4 + 1 = 5 + 2.

How to use them

  1. Teach the symbols with the reminder strip at the top: the open side faces the bigger number.
  2. Start with Compare Numbers to 20, then move to 50 and 100.
  3. Use the tens and ones pages for children who guess. Writing 4 tens 7 ones and 7 tens 4 ones makes the difference clear.
  4. Read each finished problem aloud: '47 is less than 74.' Saying it helps the symbol make sense.

Teaching tips

  • Compare the tens first. Only if the tens are the same, compare the ones.
  • Watch for digit swaps, like 36 and 63. The tens digit tells you which is bigger.
  • When two numbers are the same, use =. The pages include a few equal pairs so children remember it.
  • For number sentences, work out each side first, then compare the two answers.

Questions teachers and parents ask

How do 1st graders compare two-digit numbers?

They look at the tens first. The number with more tens is greater. If the tens are the same, they compare the ones. Then they write >, < or = between the numbers.

How can my child remember > and <?

The open side of the symbol faces the bigger number, and the point faces the smaller one. Read it left to right: 52 > 25 is '52 is greater than 25'.

Are there answer keys?

Yes. Every page has an answer key on page 2 of the PDF.