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Comparing fractions worksheets

When two fractions have different bottom numbers, the larger denominator does not mean the larger fraction — three quarters beats two thirds. These free printable worksheets set two unlike fractions side by side and ask a child to write the sign between them.

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Comparing fractions
Comparing fractions worksheet — Unlike, to 8, free printable with answer key

The answer key prints on a separate page.

What's on this sheet

There are two honest ways through a pair. Rewrite both over a common denominator and compare the numerators — three quarters and two thirds become nine twelfths and eight twelfths, so three quarters wins. Or use one half as a landmark: three fifths sits above half while two fifths sits below, which settles some pairs with no arithmetic at all.

Why this sheet works

The comparison is always a real one. The two fractions differ often enough that a child cannot simply guess, genuine equal pairs turn up so the equal sign earns its place, and the denominators stay small enough that a common denominator is reachable by hand. Each fraction prints stacked with a plain circle waiting between them for the sign.

How this one works

One question from this sheet, worked through a step at a time.

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  1. Fifths and sixths are different SIZES of piece, so the two top numbers cannot be compared as they stand. A bigger number on the bottom means a smaller piece — which is the part of this that feels backwards.
  2. Cut both into 30ths: 4/5 is 24/30, and 4/6 is 20/30. Neither has changed in size — they are just being measured in the same piece now.
  3. Same size of piece, so now it is only counting: 24 against 20. 4/5 is more than 4/6: 4/5 > 4/6.

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