X Tables
Place Value

Comparing two-digit numbers

Use tens first, then ones, to decide which number is greater.

Quick answer

When comparing two-digit numbers, look at the tens digit first. If the tens are the same, then compare the ones digit.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to compare any two two-digit numbers and say which one is greater or smaller. Success signs:
  • You can tell which number is bigger by looking at the tens first
  • You can use the symbols < (less than), > (greater than), and = (equal to)
  • You can explain why one number is bigger than another
  • You can find the biggest or smallest number in a group of two-digit numbers

Why this matters

Comparing two-digit numbers helps you solve everyday problems. When you go shopping, you might need to decide which toy costs more. When you're playing a game, you might need to know who has more points. When you're helping in the kitchen, you might need to measure ingredients and compare how much you have. Understanding how numbers compare helps you make smart choices and solve problems quickly.

How it works

To compare two-digit numbers, follow these steps:
  1. Look at the tens digit (the first digit) of both numbers
  2. If the tens digits are different, the number with the bigger tens digit is greater
  3. If the tens digits are the same, then compare the ones digits (the second digit)
  4. The number with the bigger ones digit is greater

Examples you can see

Let's look at some examples to understand how this works. Example 1: Compare 34 and 52
  • First, look at the tens digits: 3 and 5
  • 5 is bigger than 3, so 52 is greater than 34
  • We write: 34 < 52
Example 2: Compare 67 and 63
  • First, look at the tens digits: both are 6
  • Since the tens digits are the same, compare the ones digits: 7 and 3
  • 7 is bigger than 3, so 67 is greater than 63
  • We write: 67 > 63
Example 3: Compare 45 and 45
  • Both tens digits are 4, and both ones digits are 5
  • These numbers are equal
  • We write: 45 = 45
Here are some more examples with visual help:
Number 1 Number 2 Comparison Result
23 28 Tens same, ones different 23 < 28
71 59 Tens different 71 > 59
40 40 Both same 40 = 40

Try it as a mini adventure

The Great Number Hunt You are on a treasure hunt in a magical land where numbers live in houses. You need to find the biggest number to unlock the treasure chest. Your mission: Compare pairs of numbers to find which one is greater.
  1. First time: Compare 32 and 41. Which is bigger?
  2. Second time: Compare 56 and 53. Which is bigger?
  3. Third time: Compare 87 and 92. Which is bigger?
  4. Fourth time: Compare 24 and 24. Are they the same?
  5. Fifth time: Compare 65 and 74. Which is bigger?
Let's solve them together:
  1. 32 and 41: 4 tens is more than 3 tens, so 41 > 32
  2. 56 and 53: Same tens, 6 ones is more than 3 ones, so 56 > 53
  3. 87 and 92: 9 tens is more than 8 tens, so 92 > 87
  4. 24 and 24: Same tens and same ones, so 24 = 24
  5. 65 and 74: 7 tens is more than 6 tens, so 74 > 65
You've found the biggest numbers and unlocked the treasure! Great job!

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Looking at the ones digit first instead of the tens digit
    Why it happens: Children sometimes get confused by the order of numbers or forget which place value comes first.
    Fix: Always look at the tens digit first, then the ones digit if the tens are the same.
  • Mistake: Thinking that a number with more digits is always bigger
    Why it happens: This is a common misunderstanding when children are learning about place value.
    Fix: Remember that we only compare two-digit numbers, so both numbers have the same number of digits. The tens digit is more important than the number of digits.
  • Mistake: Confusing the symbols < and >
    Why it happens: The symbols can look similar, and children sometimes mix them up.
    Fix: Remember that the symbol always points to the smaller number. The wide side faces the bigger number.

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, you can help your child practice comparing two-digit numbers in these ways:
  • Use everyday situations: "Which number is bigger, 23 or 27?" while shopping or cooking
  • Play games: Create a number comparison game using cards or dice
  • Use visual aids: Draw tens and ones with blocks, counters, or drawings
  • Practice regularly: Spend 5-10 minutes each day comparing numbers
  • Encourage explanation: Ask your child to explain how they know one number is bigger than another
Remember: Your child might make mistakes, and that's okay! Mistakes help learning. If they get confused, gently remind them to look at the tens digit first.

Practice questions

  1. Compare 45 and 38. Which is greater?
  2. Compare 62 and 62. Are they equal?
  3. Compare 73 and 79. Which is greater?
  4. Compare 21 and 43. Which is greater?
  5. Compare 84 and 81. Which is greater?
  6. Compare 56 and 56. Are they equal?
  7. Compare 92 and 97. Which is greater?
  8. Compare 34 and 34. Are they equal?
  9. Compare 68 and 65. Which is greater?
  10. Compare 29 and 42. Which is greater?
Answers:
  1. 45 > 38
  2. 62 = 62
  3. 79 > 73
  4. 43 > 21
  5. 84 > 81
  6. 56 = 56
  7. 97 > 92
  8. 34 = 34
  9. 68 > 65
  10. 42 > 29

FAQ

What does it mean to compare numbers?

Comparing numbers means looking at two or more numbers to see which one is bigger, smaller, or if they are the same.

Why do we look at tens first when comparing numbers?

The tens digit tells us how many groups of ten we have. If one number has more tens, it must be bigger than the other number, no matter how many ones it has.

Can we compare numbers with more than two digits?

Yes, but for two-digit numbers, we only look at tens and ones. For bigger numbers, we would look at hundreds, tens, and ones in the same way.

How can I help my child practice this at home?

You can practice by asking questions like "Which number is bigger, 34 or 37?" or by using everyday objects like coins or blocks to show the tens and ones.

What are the symbols <, >, and = used for?

The symbol < means "less than", > means "greater than", and = means "equal to". These symbols help us write comparisons quickly and clearly.