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Comparing Numbers Worksheets

Practice comparing numbers with these printable worksheets. Each page shows twenty pairs of numbers with a box between them, where children write the right sign: less than (<), greater than (>), or equal to (=).

Every page mixes pairs where the first number is smaller, pairs where it is larger, and pairs of equal numbers. At the 2-, 3-, and 4-digit levels, some pairs differ by a single digit, so children learn to compare place values carefully.

Available as a high quality PDF ready for A4 printing, perfect for homework, warm-ups, or classroom practice.

Part of the Math Worksheets collection, Last updated on Mon, 26 Oct 2026 02:54:56 GMT.

Free Printables

Comparing Numbers Worksheet: Numbers up to 10 (N1)

Worksheet with twenty pairs of numbers up to 10 and a circle between each pair, where children write the less than, greater than, or equal sign.
Worksheet with twenty pairs of numbers up to 10 and a circle between each pair, where children write the less than, greater than, or equal sign. | zuzuzi.com

Comparing Numbers Worksheet: Numbers up to 20 (N2)

Worksheet with twenty pairs of numbers up to 20 and a rounded square between each pair, where children write the less than, greater than, or equal sign.
Worksheet with twenty pairs of numbers up to 20 and a rounded square between each pair, where children write the less than, greater than, or equal sign. | zuzuzi.com

Comparing Numbers Worksheet: 2-Digit Numbers (N3)

Worksheet with twenty pairs of 2-digit numbers and a rounded rectangle between each pair, where children write the less than, greater than, or equal sign.
Worksheet with twenty pairs of 2-digit numbers and a rounded rectangle between each pair, where children write the less than, greater than, or equal sign. | zuzuzi.com

Comparing Numbers Worksheet: 3-Digit Numbers (N4)

Worksheet with twenty pairs of 3-digit numbers and a circle between each pair, where children write the less than, greater than, or equal sign.
Worksheet with twenty pairs of 3-digit numbers and a circle between each pair, where children write the less than, greater than, or equal sign. | zuzuzi.com

Comparing Numbers Worksheet: 4-Digit Numbers (N5)

Worksheet with twenty pairs of 4-digit numbers and a rounded square between each pair, where children write the less than, greater than, or equal sign.
Worksheet with twenty pairs of 4-digit numbers and a rounded square between each pair, where children write the less than, greater than, or equal sign. | zuzuzi.com

How to Compare Numbers

To compare two numbers, start with the number of digits: a number with more digits is larger. If both numbers have the same number of digits, compare them digit by digit from the left, starting with the highest place value. The first digit that differs tells you which number is larger. If every digit is the same, the numbers are equal.

Then write the sign: the open side of < and > always faces the larger number.

How do the levels work?

The first levels use small numbers, up to 10 and up to 20, which children can compare by counting. The next levels use 2-digit, 3-digit, and 4-digit numbers. At these levels, half of the pairs that differ change only one digit, never the first, so children must read each number carefully up to that digit.

Tips for comparing numbers

  • Count the digits first: more digits means a larger number.
  • Line up the place values: thousands, hundreds, tens, then ones.
  • Remember the alligator trick: its mouth always opens toward the larger number.
  • Watch for equal pairs: every page has a few.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems are on each worksheet?

Each worksheet has twenty pairs of numbers: eight where the first number is smaller, eight where it is larger, and four where both are equal, in a random order.

Why do the boxes have different shapes?

The box between the numbers can be a circle, a rounded square, or a rounded rectangle. The shape does not change the exercise: it simply gives each worksheet its own look.