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Numbers · Grade 2

Comparing Three-Digit Numbers Worksheets

Use place value to decide which number is greater. Begin with hundreds and stop at the first place that differs.

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

Start with the largest place

Which is greater: 482 or 428? Both have four hundreds. Compare the tens next: eight tens are more than two tens. So 482 > 428. The ones do not change this result.

Compare the same places
NumberHundredsTensOnes
482482
428428

A larger ones digit is not always a larger number

In 319 and 401, nine ones are more than one one, but four hundreds are more than three hundreds. Therefore 319 < 401. Compare hundreds before looking at tens or ones.

  1. Compare the hundreds digits. If they differ, decide now.
  2. If the hundreds match, compare the tens.
  3. If both match, compare the ones.
  4. If all three match, use the equals sign.

Zero keeps a place

For 507 and 570, the hundreds match. Zero tens are fewer than seven tens, so 507 < 570. Do not skip a zero when lining up the places.

If the child chooses the number with the largest final digit: represent the hundreds with bundles or draw labeled hundreds, tens, and ones. Ask which place first shows a difference.

Read the symbol as a sentence

The open side faces the greater amount. Read 482 > 428 as “482 is greater than 428.” If the order is reversed, 428 < 482 describes the same comparison. For 356 and 356, every place matches: 356 = 356.

About this practice

Six original questions compare two whole numbers from 100 through 999. Write one comparison symbol and explain the first different place. Sets do not guarantee an equal pair or a particular place of difference. Number names and expanded form are separate skills not assessed here.

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 the child to name the first different place and explain its value. For an equal pair, ask how they checked all three places. Correct signs are more useful when the child can justify them.

More about numbers · Grade 2 worksheets

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