How to Compare and Order Fractions
To compare fractions, give them the same bottom number first.
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How to do it
- Skip count to find a bottom number both fractions can make.
- Rewrite each fraction with that bottom number.
- Compare the top numbers, or put them in order.
Teaching tip
Have your child do the skip counting out loud to find the shared bottom number. This sheet is aligned with Common Core 4.NF.A.1.
About this chart
A worked example comparing 2/3 and 3/4 by rewriting both as twelfths, and putting 1/2, 3/8 and 3/4 in order by making them eighths.
What kids practice
Equivalent fractions name the same amount, like 2/3 and 8/12. Fourth graders learn why this works: if you multiply the top and bottom by the same number, you cut each piece into smaller pieces, so there are more pieces but the amount stays the same. They use this to compare fractions with different bottom numbers, like 2/3 and 3/4, and also compare fractions to 1/2.
Watch for
- Multiplying only the top or only the bottom number.
- Adding the same number to the top and bottom, like thinking 2/3 = 3/4.
- Thinking a bigger bottom number means a bigger fraction, like 1/8 > 1/4.
- Comparing fractions of different size wholes.
It's free to print, as many copies as you need. See the full equivalent and comparing fractions guide for 4th grade.
More sheets in this set
- See it all
1. How to Make Equal FractionsStep-by-step worked examples of 2/3 = 8/12 and 8/12 = 2/3 on graph paper, with fraction strips that show why the amount stays the same. 
2. Multiply to Make Equal FractionsProblems like 2/3 = ?/12 on graph paper, with arrow boxes to show the multiplier. Standard adds fifths and tenths, and More adds tenths to hundredths and a missing bottom number.
3. Divide to Make Equal FractionsProblems like 8/12 = ?/3 on graph paper, with arrow boxes to show the divisor. More adds hundredths to tenths and a missing bottom number.
4. Split the PiecesShaded rectangles to cut into smaller pieces, showing why multiplying the top and bottom makes an equal fraction.- See it all
5. How to Compare to 1/2How to tell if a fraction is more or less than 1/2 by doubling the top number, with strips, and how to use 1/2 to compare two fractions on a number line. 
6. More or Less Than Half?Fractions to compare to 1/2. Fewer has fraction strips with a line at the half. More compares two fractions using 1/2 as a guide.
8. Compare Unlike FractionsPairs of fractions with different bottom numbers, with a second line to rewrite them with the same bottom number. More leaves the new bottom number for the child to find.
9. Order the FractionsThree fractions with different bottom numbers to put in order from least to greatest. More has four fractions.
10. Comparing Fraction Word ProblemsStories about running, pizza, plants, recipes and paint where kids compare two fractions to answer who has more or less.