Comparing Numbers Worksheets
Updated October 2026 · 10 free printables
Greater than, less than or equal? Kids write <, > or = between two numbers, from counting groups of pictures in kindergarten to 2-digit and 3-digit numbers and even whole sums and differences.
Each worksheet comes with an answer key, so kids can check their own work.
All 10 Comparing Numbers Worksheets, One by One
Here is a closer look at every page in this collection: what it practices, which grade it fits and a tip for each one.
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1. Comparing Groups of Pictures
A free printable comparing groups of pictures worksheet with an answer key. Count each group and write the number. Then write <, > or = in the circle. It suits ages 4 to 6, and little ones can count the pictures with a finger. Read each answer as a sentence: 38 is greater than 29.
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2. Comparing Groups of Pictures (Set 2)
A free printable comparing groups of pictures (set 2) worksheet with an answer key. Count each group and write the number. Then write <, > or = in the circle. It suits ages 4 to 6, and little ones can count the pictures with a finger. Read each answer as a sentence: 38 is greater than 29.
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3. Comparing Numbers to 10
A free printable comparing numbers to 10 worksheet with an answer key. Write <, > or = in each circle. The open side points to the bigger number. It suits ages 4 to 6, and little ones can count the pictures with a finger. Read each answer as a sentence: 38 is greater than 29.
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4. Comparing Numbers to 20
A free printable comparing numbers to 20 worksheet with an answer key. Write <, > or = in each circle. It matches first grade goals, roughly ages 6 to 7. Remember: the open side of the sign faces the bigger number.
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5. Comparing 2-Digit Numbers
A free printable comparing 2-digit numbers worksheet with an answer key. Compare the tens first. If the tens are the same, compare the ones. Write <, > or =. It matches first grade goals, roughly ages 6 to 7. Remember: the open side of the sign faces the bigger number.
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6. Comparing 2-Digit Numbers (Set 2)
A free printable comparing 2-digit numbers (set 2) worksheet with an answer key. Compare the tens first. If the tens are the same, compare the ones. Write <, > or =. It matches first grade goals, roughly ages 6 to 7. Remember: the open side of the sign faces the bigger number.
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7. Compare Addition Facts
A free printable compare addition facts worksheet with an answer key. Work out the sum first, then write <, > or = in the circle. It matches first grade goals, roughly ages 6 to 7. Remember: the open side of the sign faces the bigger number.
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8. Compare Sums and Differences
A free printable compare sums and differences worksheet with an answer key. Solve both sides, then write <, > or = in the circle. Second graders usually finish it in 10 to 15 minutes. Read each answer as a sentence: 38 is greater than 29.
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9. Comparing 3-Digit Numbers
A free printable comparing 3-digit numbers worksheet with an answer key. Compare hundreds, then tens, then ones. Write <, > or = in each circle. Second graders usually finish it in 10 to 15 minutes. Read each answer as a sentence: 38 is greater than 29.
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10. Comparing 3-Digit Numbers (Set 2)
A free printable comparing 3-digit numbers (set 2) worksheet with an answer key. Compare hundreds, then tens, then ones. Write <, > or = in each circle. Second graders usually finish it in 10 to 15 minutes. Read each answer as a sentence: 38 is greater than 29.
Tips for comparing numbers worksheets
- Read each finished problem out loud: 47 is less than 52.
- For 2- and 3-digit numbers, compare the biggest place value first.
- When both sides are sums, work out each side before choosing the sign.
Fun math facts
- The symbols < and > first appeared in print in 1631, in a book by the English mathematician Thomas Harriot.
- The equals sign is older: Robert Recorde introduced it in 1557.
- A number line makes comparing easy: the number further to the right is always bigger.
Fun ways to use your printables
- Roll two dice each and compare the totals; the bigger total wins a point.
- Compare prices in a toy catalog or a grocery flyer.
- Make paper 'alligator mouths' that kids hold up to show < or >.
How to print
Click Download PDF and print at 100% on US Letter or A4 paper. Page 1 is the worksheet and page 2 is the answer key, so choose “page 1” in the print dialog if you only want the practice page. Every worksheet is free for home, homeschool and classroom use, so print as many copies as you need.
Frequently asked questions
How do I explain < and > to kids?
The open side always faces the bigger number. Some kids imagine a hungry mouth that wants to eat the bigger number.
How do you compare 2-digit numbers?
Look at the tens first. Only if the tens are the same do you compare the ones: 47 < 52 because 4 tens is less than 5 tens.
What grade learns comparing numbers?
Kindergarten compares groups of objects, first grade compares numbers to 100 with symbols, and second grade compares 3-digit numbers.