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Numbers · Grade 1

Comparing Two-Digit Numbers Worksheets

Compare the tens first. When the tens match, compare the ones to decide whether the numbers are greater, less, or equal.

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

Compare the tens first

Look at 42 and 37. Four tens are more than three tens, so 42 > 37. The seven ones in 37 do not make it greater than 42. A whole extra ten is worth more than any single ones digit.

42 = 4 tens and 2 ones
37 = 3 tens and 7 ones

Use bundles of ten objects and loose ones to show the two amounts. Keep each bundle together while comparing the tens.

If the tens match, compare the ones

For 53 and 58, both numbers have five tens. Compare the remaining three ones and eight ones: 53 < 58. Ask the child to finish, “The tens are the same, so I compared ...”

Read the comparison in order

Read 53 < 58 as “53 is less than 58.” Read 42 > 37 as “42 is greater than 37.” The open side of the symbol faces the greater amount. Say the sentence from left to right to check which symbol belongs in the box.

If a child looks only at the ones: compare 29 and 31 with bundles. Two tens and nine ones still come before three tens and one one. Ask which number has more complete tens before discussing the ones.

Equal means the same amount

In 46 = 46, both the tens and the ones match. Matching just one digit does not make two numbers equal: 46 and 49 share four tens, but their ones differ.

What a zero means

In 60, the zero means there are no loose ones. It does not erase the six tens. Thus 60 > 59. Keep the zero in place when reading or writing the number.

Use this worksheet

Each set has six distinct ordered pairs. Both numbers in every pair are from 10 through 99. Write >, <, or = in each box, then use the space below to draw tens and ones or explain which place decided the comparison. An adult can record a spoken explanation if writing it would distract from comparing.

Equal pairs can occur, but are not guaranteed in every set. Matching tens and numbers ending in zero are also not guaranteed. This activity compares written two-digit numbers; it does not ask children to count a supplied base-ten picture.

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 which place decided each comparison. For an equal pair, check that both tens and ones match.

More about numbers · Grade 1 worksheets

Grade 1 selected skill connection: 1.NBT.B.3. See the Common Core grade guidance. This worksheet does not cover every requirement in the standard.