MATH · GRADE 3–6

Comparing Fractions for Kids

Greater Than, Less Than & Equal Fractions

Comparing fractions means deciding which fraction is greater, which fraction is less, or whether two fractions are equal. Kids can compare fractions using pictures, fraction strips, number lines, common denominators, and simple rules.

Learning Objectives

Understand what it means to compare fractions
Use greater than, less than, and equal signs.
Compare fractions with the same denominator.
Compare fractions with the same numerator.
Recognize equivalent fractions

❓What Does Comparing Fractions Mean?

To compare fractions, we look at two or more fractions and decide how their values are related.

We use these signs:

> means greater than
< means less than
= means equal to

Example:

1/2 > 1/4

This means one half is greater than one quarter.

🎬 Watch our “What Are Fractions?” video above for visual examples — then read on for the full guide!

Comparing Fractions With the Same Denominator

When fractions have the same denominator, they are divided into the same number of equal parts. To compare them, look at the numerator.

Example:

3/8 and 5/8

Both fractions have the denominator 8. That means both wholes are divided into 8 equal parts.

Now compare the numerators:

3 and 5

Since 5 is greater than 3:

5/8 > 3/8

Simple rule:

Same denominator? Bigger numerator means bigger fraction.

Comparing Fractions With the Same Numerator

When fractions have the same numerator, look at the denominator.

Example:

1/2 and 1/4

Both fractions have numerator 1. That means we are looking at one part.

But the denominators are different.

1/2 means the whole is divided into 2 equal parts.
1/4 means the whole is divided into 4 equal parts.

If the whole is the same size, one half is bigger than one quarter.

So:

1/2 > 1/4

Simple rule:

Same numerator? Smaller denominator means bigger pieces.

Why Does a Bigger Denominator Sometimes Mean a Smaller Fraction?

This is one of the most important fraction ideas.

If you cut a pizza into 2 equal slices, each slice is large.
If you cut the same pizza into 8 equal slices, each slice is smaller.

So:

1/2 > 1/8

Even though 8 is bigger than 2, one eighth is smaller than one half because the whole was divided into more parts.

Comparing Fractions on a Number Line

A number line can also help compare fractions. Fractions closer to 1 are greater. Fractions closer to 0 are smaller.

Example:

0 ----- 1/4 ----- 1/2 ----- 3/4 ----- 1

On this number line:

3/4 is greater than 1/2
1/4 is less than 1/2
1/2 is greater than 1/4

Comparing Fractions Using Equivalent Fractions

Sometimes fractions have different numerators and different denominators. Equivalent fractions can help.

Example:

1/2 and 2/6

Change 1/2 into an equivalent fraction with denominator 6:

1/2 = 3/6

Now compare:

3/6 and 2/6

Since 3 is greater than 2:

3/6 > 2/6

So:

1/2 > 2/6