Greater or Less
Tap a level to start - you can always try again!
Warm-up - you have got this!
Ready for a challenge!
Super hard - go for it!
Build strong number sense by comparing values and deciding which is greater, less, or equal. This fundamental skill underpins all of mathematics. Difficulty levels introduce larger numbers and closer comparisons that require careful place-value analysis.
Look at two numbers and decide whether the first is greater than, less than, or equal to the second. Select the correct symbol to score a point.
When comparing large numbers, start from the left-most digit. The first digit that differs tells you which number is larger.
Comparing numbers is a foundational number sense skill. Children who cannot confidently compare numbers will struggle with ordering fractions, understanding negative numbers, reading graphs, and making estimates. The symbols < and > are also the child's first introduction to mathematical notation — understanding them well prepares children for algebraic inequalities in later years.
This game is most valuable for children in Kindergarten through Grade 3 (ages 5-9) who are developing number sense. The Easy level compares numbers up to 20, which is appropriate for K-1. The Medium and Hard levels introduce larger numbers suitable for Grades 2-3.
Children frequently confuse the < and > symbols. The 'crocodile mouth' memory trick (the mouth always eats the bigger number) helps many children remember the direction. A more durable fix is to read the inequality aloud and check that it makes a true statement: '3 < 7' reads as 'three is less than seven' — does that make sense? This reading-and-checking habit is excellent for later maths.