X Tables
Place Value

Comparing three-digit numbers

Compare hundreds, tens and ones using symbols and reasoning.

Quick answer

To compare three-digit numbers, look at the hundreds digit first. If they're the same, compare the tens digit. If those are the same, compare the ones digit. Use the symbols < (less than), > (greater than), and = (equal to) to show which number is bigger.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to compare any three-digit number and say which one is bigger or smaller using the correct symbols. Success signs:
  • You can tell which number is bigger by looking at the hundreds digit first
  • You can use <, >, and = symbols correctly
  • You can explain why one number is bigger than another
  • You can compare numbers in real-life situations

Why this matters

Comparing three-digit numbers helps you understand how big things are in everyday life. Whether you're sharing sweets, deciding who gets the bigger slice of cake, or working out which toy costs more, you need to know which number is bigger or smaller. This skill is also important for bigger maths like addition, subtraction, and problem-solving later on.

How it works

Comparing three-digit numbers is like a treasure hunt! You look at the clues one by one to find out which number is the biggest or smallest. Here's how to do it step by step: Step 1: Look at the hundreds digit first. This is the first digit from the left. The number with the bigger hundreds digit is bigger. Step 2: If the hundreds digits are the same, then look at the tens digit. The number with the bigger tens digit is bigger. Step 3: If the tens digits are also the same, then look at the ones digit. The number with the bigger ones digit is bigger. Step 4: Use the correct symbols:
  • > means "greater than" (bigger)
  • < means "less than" (smaller)
  • = means "equal to" (the same)

Examples you can see

Let's look at some examples to see how this works. Example 1: Compare 345 and 289
  • Hundreds digit: 3 and 2. Since 3 > 2, we know 345 > 289
Example 2: Compare 567 and 534
  • Hundreds digit: 5 and 5. They're the same, so we move to tens.
  • Tens digit: 6 and 3. Since 6 > 3, we know 567 > 534
Example 3: Compare 721 and 725
  • Hundreds digit: 7 and 7. They're the same.
  • Tens digit: 2 and 2. They're the same.
  • Ones digit: 1 and 5. Since 1 < 5, we know 721 < 725
Example 4: Compare 400 and 400
  • All digits are the same, so 400 = 400
Let's imagine you're at a school fair. You have 345 tickets, and your friend has 289 tickets. Who has more? You look at the hundreds digit first - 3 is bigger than 2, so you have more tickets.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Number Treasure Hunt You and your friend are on a treasure hunt in a magical forest. You need to find the biggest number to unlock a secret chest. You have these clues:
  • Clue 1: 456
  • Clue 2: 432
  • Clue 3: 453
  • Clue 4: 398
  • Clue 5: 461
4th time: ? Look at the hundreds digit. All numbers start with 4, so they're equal. 5th time: ? Look at the tens digit. The numbers are 5, 3, 5, 9, 6. 6th time: ? The biggest tens digit is 9, so 398 is the smallest. 7th time: ? Now compare the remaining numbers: 456, 432, 453, 461. 8th time: ? The biggest tens digit is 6, so 461 is the biggest number. 9th time: ? You found the secret chest with the number 461!

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Looking at the ones digit first instead of the hundreds digit. Why it happens: Children sometimes get confused about which place value to look at first. Fix: Always start with the hundreds digit, then tens, then ones.
  • Mistake: Forgetting to use the correct symbol. Why it happens: The symbols look similar and can be mixed up. Fix: Remember the symbols point to the smaller number. The open side always faces the bigger number.
  • Mistake: Thinking that a number with more digits is always bigger. Why it happens: Children sometimes think that having more digits makes a number bigger. Fix: Remember that 3-digit numbers are compared by looking at the hundreds digit first. 1000 is bigger than 999, but 999 is bigger than 100.

Parent and carer guide

Comparing three-digit numbers is a big step in understanding place value. Here's how to help your child:
  • Practice at home: Use everyday objects like coins, blocks, or toys to show numbers. Ask your child to compare different groups.
  • Use the symbols: Make up games using <, >, and =. For example, "Which number is bigger? 456 or 457?"
  • Real-world examples: Compare prices of items in a shop, or heights of family members.
  • Watch for confusion: If your child gets mixed up, remind them to look at the hundreds digit first.
  • Be patient: It's normal for children to need practice with this skill. Keep it fun and encouraging.

Practice questions

  1. Compare 345 and 321. Which is bigger?
  2. Compare 678 and 672. Which is bigger?
  3. Compare 209 and 209. Are they equal?
  4. Compare 567 and 587. Which is bigger?
  5. Compare 100 and 99. Which is bigger?
  6. Compare 456 and 450. Which is bigger?
  7. Compare 789 and 780. Which is bigger?
  8. Compare 300 and 301. Which is bigger?
Answers:
  1. 345 > 321
  2. 678 > 672
  3. 209 = 209
  4. 587 > 567
  5. 100 > 99
  6. 456 > 450
  7. 789 > 780
  8. 301 > 300

FAQ

What does "place value" mean?

Place value means that each digit in a number has a different value depending on where it is. In 345, the 3 is in the hundreds place, the 4 is in the tens place, and the 5 is in the ones place.

How do I remember which symbol means "greater than"?

Think of the symbol as an alligator's mouth. The alligator always wants to eat the bigger number, so the open side points to the bigger number.

Can I compare numbers with different numbers of digits?

Yes, but you still compare the digits from left to right. For example, 1000 is bigger than 999 because 1000 has a 1 in the thousands place.

Why do I need to know how to compare numbers?

Comparing numbers helps you make decisions in daily life, like choosing the best deal when shopping or understanding which score is higher in a game.

What if two numbers are exactly the same?

If all digits are the same, the numbers are equal. We use the = symbol to show this.