More Than Less Than Worksheets: >,

Q: How do you teach greater than and less than?

Start with real things: two piles of blocks, and ask which pile has more. Then write the two numbers and draw the symbol with its open side towards the bigger pile. Many teachers say the symbol is a hungry mouth that always opens towards the bigger number.

Q: How do you compare two-digit and three-digit numbers?

Look at the biggest place first. With 64 and 61, the tens are the same, so compare the ones: 4 is more than 1, so 64 > 61. With 403 and 381, the hundreds already decide it: 403 > 381.

Q: Are there answer keys?

Yes. Each PDF has its answer key on page 2, and “Show solution” shows the symbols on screen.

Q: Is there a PDF to print?

Yes. Every page has free PDF downloads for US Letter and A4 paper, with the picture centered inside print-safe margins. Choose "Download PDF (Letter)" or "Download PDF (A4)" on the page and print at 100% (actual size).

Comparing numbers worksheets in five steps: numbers to 10 with dots to count, numbers to 20, to 100 and to 1000, and number sentences. Children write greater than (>), less than (<) or equal to (=) in each circle. Every PDF has its answer key on page 2. All free to print, no sign-up, with vector PDFs for US Letter and A4 paper.

How to use these pages

Comparing numbers means deciding which of two numbers is bigger. The symbol > means “is greater than” (more than), < means “is less than”, and = means “is equal to”. The open side of > and < always faces the bigger number, and the point faces the smaller one: 9 > 4 and 4 < 9 say the same thing.

The sheets go up in steps. Comparing to 10 has dot pictures under each number, so younger children can count the dots or see which group is bigger before writing a symbol. Comparing to 20 and to 100 are numbers only, and to 1000 adds three-digit numbers that share a first digit, so children have to look at the tens and then the ones. The number sentences sheet compares sums, such as 7 + 6 and 12. Every PDF has the answer key on page 2.

Frequently asked questions

How do you teach greater than and less than?

Start with real things: two piles of blocks, and ask which pile has more. Then write the two numbers and draw the symbol with its open side towards the bigger pile. Many teachers say the symbol is a hungry mouth that always opens towards the bigger number.

How do you compare two-digit and three-digit numbers?

Look at the biggest place first. With 64 and 61, the tens are the same, so compare the ones: 4 is more than 1, so 64 > 61. With 403 and 381, the hundreds already decide it: 403 > 381.

What is the difference between “more than” and “greater than”?

None. “More than” and “greater than” both mean the bigger number, and both use the > sign. “Fewer than” and “less than” both use <.

Are there answer keys?