Comparing Numbers Chart
To compare two numbers, look at the tens first. If the tens are the same, look at the ones.
Need more than one? Tap + for extra copies (up to 10).
How to do it
- Compare the tens first.
- If the tens match, compare the ones.
- Write >, < or =.
Teaching tip
Point to the tens digit first every time, so it becomes a habit. This sheet is aligned with Common Core 1.NBT.B.3.
About this chart
Comparing two-digit numbers by tens and then ones, with base-ten blocks and the three symbols.
What kids practice
Comparing numbers means deciding which is bigger, which is smaller, or if they are the same. In first grade, kids compare two-digit numbers by looking at the tens first, then the ones. They also learn the symbols > (greater than), < (less than) and = (equal to).
Watch for
- Looking at the ones digit first, so 29 seems bigger than 31.
- Mixing up > and <. Saying the sentence out loud fixes most of these.
- When ordering, skipping a number or writing one twice.
It's free to print, as many copies as you need. See the full comparing two-digit numbers guide for 1st grade.
