Compare Decimals

Compare decimals

To compare two decimals, look at their place value from left to right.

1. Line up the decimal points

Write the numbers so the decimal points are in the same column. If one number has fewer digits, add zeros to the end. For example, 3.5 and 3.50 are equal.

2. Compare digit by digit

Start with the whole-number part. If those are the same, move to the tenths place, then the hundredths place, and so on.

• The first place where the digits are different tells you which number is larger.
• The number with the larger digit in that place is greater.

3. Use comparison symbols

• < means less than
• > means greater than
• = means equal

4. Check your answer

Make sure the comparison matches the place-value order. If needed, rewrite the decimals with the same number of digits after the decimal point.

Example idea

Compare 4.07 and 4.7. Write 4.07 and 4.70. Since 0 is less than 7 in the tenths place, 4.07 < 4.7.

A careful place-by-place comparison is the safest way to avoid mistakes.