Help students strengthen number comparison skills with these greater than and less than worksheets using > and < signs. In these activities, children compare two numbers and choose the correct symbol to show which number is greater or smaller. These worksheets help develop number sense, logical thinking, and confidence when working with numbers. Perfect for Grade 2 students, these printable worksheets are great for classroom practice, math centers, homework, or extra practice at home, making learning number comparisons simple, fun, and engaging.
Subject: Math
Grade: Grade 2
Type: Free Printable Worksheet
Provider: WorksheetGalaxy — Free K-12 Educational Resources
Students will learn to compare numbers using the greater than (>) and less than (<) symbols to show which number is larger or smaller. Through these exercises, children will strengthen their number sense and develop confidence in identifying the relationship between different numbers. These skills form an important foundation for understanding number order and mathematical reasoning.
This worksheet presents pairs of numbers with a blank space between them where students need to write either the > or < symbol. The problems start with smaller numbers to build confidence, then gradually introduce larger numbers as students become more comfortable with the concept. Each problem is clearly laid out with plenty of space for students to write their answers. The worksheet includes visual examples at the top to remind students which symbol opens toward the larger number, making it easy for children to check their work as they go.
Use the "alligator mouth" trick to help students remember which symbol to use - explain that the alligator always wants to eat the bigger number, so its mouth opens toward the larger number. Have students practice saying the comparisons out loud, such as "5 is greater than 3" or "2 is less than 7" to reinforce the concept. Start by having students circle or underline the larger number in each pair before choosing the symbol, as this helps them focus on identifying which number is actually bigger. Consider using manipulatives like counting bears or blocks alongside the worksheet so students can physically see the difference between numbers when they're unsure.
Many students confuse which direction the symbols should face, often writing them backward because they focus on the smaller number instead of remembering that the open side faces the larger number. Another frequent error is mixing up the symbols entirely, using > when they mean < and vice versa. Some children also struggle with larger two-digit numbers, comparing only the ones place instead of looking at the entire number value.
Practice number comparisons during everyday activities, like comparing ages, toy quantities, or food items to make the concept more concrete and meaningful. Use hand gestures along with the alligator analogy - have your child make their hand into an alligator mouth and point it toward the larger number while saying the comparison out loud. Encourage your child to double-check their work by reading each problem aloud to ensure the comparison makes sense.
The alligator mouth method works best for most children. Teach them that the alligator is always hungry and wants to eat the bigger number, so its mouth (the open part of the symbol) always opens toward the larger number. You can also show them that the symbols look like arrows pointing to the smaller number - the > points to the right toward a smaller number, while < points to the left toward a smaller number.
Start by having them compare the tens place first. Explain that when comparing numbers like 23 and 31, they should look at the tens place (2 and 3) before worrying about the ones place. If the tens digits are the same, then they compare the ones place. Practice with plenty of examples and consider using place value charts to make the concept visual.
Yes! Try the "Number Battle" card game where you each flip a card and compare numbers, or create a "Greater Than Hunt" where your child finds pairs of objects around the house to compare. You can also play "Human Number Line" where your child stands between two number cards and points toward the larger number while making the correct symbol with their arms.