Comparing Fractions Practice

Practise comparing fractions with greater-than, less-than and equals — from matching denominators to any two fractions.

Grades 3–4 · 3.NF⚡ Fraction sense
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How to compare two fractions

Comparing fractions is easy when something matches and trickier when nothing does. The reliable method for any pair is cross-multiplying.

  1. Same denominator? The bigger numerator wins (3/8 > 2/8).
  2. Same numerator? The smaller denominator wins — fewer, bigger pieces (2/3 > 2/5).
  3. Neither? Cross-multiply: compare a×d with c×b for a/b and c/d.

Worked examples

Same denominatorCompare 3/8 and 5/8 — same bottom, so compare tops: 3 < 5. Answer: <.
Cross-multiplyCompare 2/3 and 3/5 — cross-multiply: 2×5 = 10 and 3×3 = 9. Since 10 > 9, 2/3 > 3/5. Answer: >.
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Tips & common mistakes

The “same numerator” case surprises kids — with the same number of pieces, the one cut into fewer parts has bigger pieces, so 1/3 > 1/5. Cross-multiplying always works when you’re unsure. Tap <, = or >.

  • Assuming a bigger denominator means a bigger fraction — it’s the opposite when numerators match.
  • Comparing numerators and denominators separately instead of the whole fractions.
  • Cross-multiplying but comparing the products the wrong way round.

Frequently asked questions

How do you compare fractions with the same denominator?

Just compare the numerators — the larger numerator is the larger fraction, since the pieces are the same size.

How do you compare fractions with different denominators?

Cross-multiply: for a/b and c/d, compare a×d with c×b. The larger product belongs to the larger fraction.

Why is 1/3 bigger than 1/5?

Because the same one piece is cut into fewer parts, so each part is bigger. With equal numerators, the smaller denominator wins.

What grade is comparing fractions?

It begins in grade 3 with simple cases and extends through grade 4 to any two fractions.

Is cross-multiplying always safe?

Yes — for positive fractions it always gives the correct comparison, which is why it’s the go-to method when nothing matches.

Keep practising

← All fractionsEquivalentComparing whole numbers4th grade math

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