2nd Grade Comparing Numbers – Greater Than, Less Than & Equal To

2nd Grade Comparing Numbers learning page is specially designed for Grade 2 students to understand how to compare numbers using the symbols greater than ( > ), less than ( < ), and equal to ( = ).

Comparing numbers is an important math skill that helps children understand which number is greater, smaller, or equal. In 2nd grade, students learn to compare two-digit and three-digit numbers using place value and comparison symbols. This lesson will help children build strong number sense in a fun and easy way.

Students will learn how to compare two-digit and three-digit numbers by looking at place value (hundreds, tens, and ones). With simple explanations, colorful examples, and step-by-step methods, children can quickly understand which number is bigger, smaller, or the same.

Our 2nd Grade Comparing Numbers content supports school math curriculum and helps build strong number sense, confidence, and problem-solving skills. Perfect for teachers, parents, and students who want to make math simple and enjoyable.

In 2nd Grade Comparing Numbers, we will learn:

1. What comparing numbers means

2. The symbols used for comparing numbers

3. How to compare numbers using place value

4. Examples and practice questions

What Does Comparing Numbers Mean?

Comparing numbers means checking which number is bigger, which is smaller, or if both numbers are the same.

For example:

(i) Is 45 bigger than 32?

(ii) Is 67 smaller than 89?

(iii) Are 56 and 56 equal?

When we compare numbers, we use special symbols to show the result.

There are three main symbols used to compare numbers:

Comparison Symbols:

I. Greater Than ( > )

This symbol means greater than.

Example:

45 > 32;     (Read as: 45 is greater than 32)

II. Less Than ( < )

This symbol means less than.

Example:

27 < 39;     (Read as: 27 is less than 39)

III. Equal To ( = )

This symbol means equal to.

Example:

56 = 56;     (Read as: 56 is equal to 56)

Note: The open side of the symbol always points to the bigger number.

Comparing Numbers:

🔥 A number that is closer to zero is the smaller number.

🔥 A number that is farther from zero is the bigger number.

🔥 A 2-digit number is always bigger than a 1-digit number.

Let's learn how to compare bigger numbers.

Comparing Two-Digit Numbers:

Comparing two-digit numbers means deciding which number is greater (>), smaller (<), or equal (=).

Let’s learn it step-by-step in a super easy way!

To compare 2-digit numbers compare the tens place first. If the tens place is the same, compare the ones place.

Two-digit numbers have tens and ones.

How to compare 2-digit numbers?

Step I: Compare the Tens Digit:

The number with the bigger tens digit is greater.

Example:

34 and 56

Tens digits are 3 and 5

Since 5 > 3,

Therefore, 56 > 34.

Step II: If Tens Digit Are Same, Compare the Ones Digit:

Example:

47 and 42

Both the tens digits are 4 (same)

Ones digits are 7 and 2

Since 7 > 2,
Therefore, 47 > 42.

Step III: If Both Tens and Ones Digits Are Same, then the Numbers Are Equal:

Example:

68 and 68

Both tens and ones digits are same.

Therefore, 68 = 68.

Comparing Three-Digit Numbers:

Comparing three-digit numbers means finding which number is greater (>), smaller (<), or equal (=).

What Is a Three-Digit Number?

A three-digit number has three digits:

Hundreds place (left digit)

Tens place (middle digit)

Ones place (right digit)

For Example:

123, 405, 789, 999 are some of the examples of three digit numbers.

How to compare 3-digit numbers?

Step I: Compare the Hundreds Digit:

The number with the greater hundreds digit is larger.

For Example:

456 and 389

Hundreds digits are 4 and 3.

Since 4 > 3,

Therefore, 456 > 389

Step II: If Hundreds Are Same, Compare the Tens Digit:

For Example:

672 and 658

Both Hundreds digits are 6 (same).

Tens digits are 7 and 5

Since 7 > 5,

Therefore, 672 > 658

Step III: If Hundreds & Tens Are Same, Compare the Ones Digit:

For Example:

745 and 742

Both Hundreds digits are 7 (same).

Both Tens digits are 4 (same).

Ones digits are 5 and 2.

Since, 5 > 2

Therefore, 745 > 742

Step IV: If All Digits Are Same → Numbers Are Equal:

For Example:

808 and 808

All the digits are same.

Therefore, 808 = 808.

Different Types of Solved Examples on Comparing Numbers:

Look at the given examples.

1. Compare 180 and 97.

    180       >      97 

(3 digits)        (2 digits)

2. Compare 69 and 105.

    69       <      105 

(2 digits)       (3 digits)

3. Compare 235 and 400.

Since 4 > 2,

235 > 400.

4. Compare 159 and 195.

The digit at the hundreds place is same in both the numbers.

Thus, compare the digits at the tens place.

Since 5 < 9,

159 < 195.

5. Compare 146 and 149.

The digit at the hundreds and tens places are same in both the numbers.

Thus, compare the digits at the ones place.

Since, 9 > 6

Therefore, 146 < 149.

6. Compare 268 and 268.

The digits at the hundreds place, tens place and ones place are the same.

Thus, 268 = 268.

Note:

Worksheet on 2nd Grade Comparing Numbers:

1. Write greater or smaller or equal in the blanks. Also, put the correct symbol > or < in the boxes.

(a) 169 is __________ than 134   or   169 ___ 134.

(b) 247 is __________ than 238   or   247 ___ 238.

(c) 359 is __________ than 395   or   359 ___ 395.

(d) 127 is __________ than 150   or   127 ___ 150.

(e) 144 is __________ than 144   or   144 ___ 144.

2. Put the correct sign >, < or =.

(a) 138 ___ 160

(b) 133 ___ 103

(c) 182 ___ 182

(d) 558 ___ 585

(e) 987 ___ 987

(f) 521 ___ 125

(g) 104 ___ 401

(h) 188 ___ 108

(i) 170 ___ 107

3. Circle the Greater Number:

Circle the bigger number in each pair

(a) 345  354

(b) 608  680

(c) 719  791

(d) 420  402

(e) 995  956

4. Circle the Smaller Number:

Circle the smaller number

(a) 583  538

(b) 900  909

(c) 764  746

(d) 631  613

(e) 850  805

5. Word Problems on 2nd Grade Comparing Numbers:

(a) Riya has 345 marbles. Aman has 354 marbles.
Who has more marbles? __________

(b) A school library has 608 storybooks and 680 comic books.
Which number is greater? __________

(d) Compare the numbers 719 and 791 using a symbol: ______

Answers:

1. 

(a) greater than; >

(b) greater than; >

(c) less than; <

(d) less than; <

(e) equal to; =

2. (a) <

(b) >

(c) =

(d) <

(e) =

(f) >

(g) <

(h) >

(i) =

3. (a) 354

(b) 680

(c) 791

(d) 420

(e) 995

4. (a) 538

(b) 900

(c) 746

(d) 613

(e) 805

5. (a) Aman

(b) 680 

(d) 719 < 791

2nd Grade Math Practice

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