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Fractions · Grade 4

Comparing Fractions Worksheets With Unlike Denominators

Different denominators name different-sized parts. Use equivalent fractions or a benchmark to compare the amounts fairly.

6 problemsAnswer key includedFree printableA4 & US Letter
Generate & printSee the worked example

Compare parts of the same-sized whole

Before comparing fractions, make sure the wholes are the same size. Half of a large sheet and half of a small sheet are not equal areas, even though each is one half of its own whole. On this worksheet, compare every pair as fractions of the same-sized whole.

Rename the fractions in equal-sized parts

Compare 2/3 and 3/4 by using twelfths. Divide each third into four equal parts to get 2/3 = 8/12. Divide each fourth into three equal parts to get 3/4 = 9/12. Nine twelfths is greater than eight twelfths, so 2/3 < 3/4.

2/3 = 8/12 and 3/4 = 9/12

Renaming changes the number and size of the pieces together. It does not change the amount of the whole represented by either fraction.

Use one half when it helps

For 1/3 and 5/8, one third is less than one half and five eighths is greater than one half. That places 1/3 below 5/8 without first finding a common denominator. Explain why each fraction is on its side of the benchmark.

If a child chooses the larger denominator: draw two equal-length strips and divide one into thirds and the other into eighths. More equal pieces make each piece smaller; the denominator alone cannot decide which fraction is greater.

Different names can mean equal amounts

Two fourths and three sixths both equal one half, so 2/4 = 3/6. Do not assume different denominators always mean different values. Fractions such as 3/3 and 8/8 also match because each represents one whole.

Record and explain the comparison

Write >, <, or = in the box. Then use the space below for equivalent fractions, a benchmark explanation, or a drawing of equal-sized wholes. Read the comparison from left to right to check the symbol.

About these six questions

Every pair has different denominators chosen from 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8. Fractions are greater than zero and no greater than one. Original fraction forms are retained, so an amount may appear as an unreduced fraction or as a fraction equal to one.

Each set has six distinct ordered pairs. Equality is possible but not guaranteed in every set. Mixed numbers, zero, and fractions greater than one are outside this practice. The answer key supplies the comparison sign; an adult can review the child's explanation separately.

Make a practice set

Choose what to print. Selecting both shows the answer key on screen and prints the questions followed by the answers.

Print materials

After the practice

Ask how the explanation shows equal-sized parts or uses a benchmark. For equal fractions, explain why the names differ but the amounts match.

More about fractions · Grade 4 worksheets

Grade 4 selected skill connection: 4.NF.A.2. See the Common Core grade guidance. This worksheet does not cover every requirement in the standard.