Math Drill Pages

Comparing Decimals Worksheet

Twenty pairs of decimals to compare with <, > or =. Many pairs are chosen to catch the most common misunderstanding: that a number with more digits must be bigger. Students meet pairs like 5.9 and 5.84, 8.09 and 8.9, and 0.1 and 0.10, which are equal. The answer key is on page 2.

Grade
Grade 4–5
Problems
20
Time
About 10 minutes
Standard
4.NF.C.7
Download PDF (US Letter) Download PDF (A4)

Two pages: the worksheet, then the answer key. No sign-up needed.

Worksheet preview

Part A Write <, > or = in each blank.

  1. 5.8 < 5.94
  2. 2.6 < 2.85
  3. 4.6 < 5.4
  4. 0.3 > 0.03
  5. 5.8 < 6.4
  6. 0.81 < 0.9
  7. 4.06 < 4.6
  8. 3.52 < 3.63
  9. 8.88 < 8.9
  10. 9.8 = 9.80

Part B Write <, > or =. Watch out for zeros!

  1. 8.08 < 8.8
  2. 2.7 < 3.3
  3. 5.01 < 5.1
  4. 0.02 < 0.2
  5. 4.8 = 4.80
  6. 3.2 > 2.9
  7. 0.79 > 0.2
  8. 9.1 > 9.01
  9. 6.3 > 5.6
  10. 9.49 > 9.1

Tips for teachers and parents

  • Compare the whole numbers first. If they are different, you are done.
  • If they are the same, compare tenths, then hundredths, from left to right, just like comparing whole numbers digit by digit.
  • Adding a zero to the shorter decimal makes the comparison easier: 5.9 vs 5.84 becomes 5.90 vs 5.84.
  • Use money as a picture: 0.5 is 50 cents and 0.45 is 45 cents.

Common mistakes

  • Thinking 5.84 is bigger than 5.9 because 84 is bigger than 9.
  • Thinking 0.10 is bigger than 0.1. A zero at the end of a decimal does not change its value.

What to practice next

Once comparing is solid, move on to adding decimals.

Frequently asked questions

How do you compare decimals?

Line up the decimal points and compare digit by digit from the left. Adding zeros to the end so both numbers have the same number of places makes it easier.

Are some pairs equal?

Yes, a few pairs such as 3.1 and 3.10 are equal, so students must think about each one.

Is there an answer key?

Yes, page 2 has every answer.