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Comparing Fractions – Methods, Definition With Examples

Phoebe Belza-Barrientos

Updated on January 6, 2026

For kids, fractions are not the easiest math topic. And even if you ask an adult how do you compare fractions, you might get a pause or a complicated answer with lots of mumbo jumbo. So it’s no wonder that this topic can sometimes be difficult for children. By the way, fractions are everywhere, from slices of pizza to pieces of chocolate. So, understanding them makes everyday life much easier. And we hope this article will make things right for both children and adults. Let’s explore with Brighterly what is comparing fractions and difficult numbers with a simple explanation.

What is comparing fractions?

Comparing fractions means to clarify if one fraction is greater  (>), smaller (<), or the same as (=) another. Also, while comparing fractions, we compare their values, or by finding a common denominator, or by comparing numerators when denominators are equal. Symbols (>), (<), (=) show the relationship between the fractions.

Key concepts:

• The numerator is the top number (how many parts you have).
• The denominator is the bottom number (how many parts make the whole).
• Inequality Symbols —  Using < (less than) and > (greater than) to show the comparison

In many situations, you will need to know when a fraction is greater or smaller than another fraction. Because a fraction is a part of a whole, you need to find the fraction that represents more of the whole. By simplifying the two fractions to fractions with the same denominator, you can then compare their numerators. Compare the numerators after finding a common denominator if the denominators are different.

Types of fractions

Fractions come in different types depending on how the top number (numerator) and bottom number (denominator) relate. For a better understanding of how to teach comparing fractions, let’s know the main kinds:

• Comparing proper fractions shows that the numerator is smaller than the denominator (e.g., 2/5)
• Improper fractions numerator is equal to or bigger than denominator (e.g., 8/3)
• Mixed fractions is a whole number plus a proper fraction (e.g., 1 1/2)
• Unit fractions mean that the numerator is always 1 (e.g., 1/3)
• Like fractions have the same denominator (e.g., 1/4 & 3/4)
• Unlike fractions, they always have different denominators
• Equivalent fractions look different but have the same value (e.g., 1/2 & 2/4)

How to compare fractions

For fraction comparison with different denominators, you need to convert them into equivalent fractions that have the same denominator.

1. Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions
2. For each fraction, find the lowest common denominator (LCD)
3. To convert fractions into their LCD equivalents, use the LCD as the denominator
4. Compare fractions if they have the same denominators. When fractions have the same denominator, the fraction with the larger numerator is greater.

Comparing fractions with like denominators

• Look at the bottom numbers (denominators) of the two fractions you’re comparing to be sure they are the same.
• Look at the top numbers (numerators) of both fractions.
• Determine Greater/Smaller, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the larger fraction.
• Use Comparison Symbol to show the relationship (Use < (less than), > (greater than), or = (equal to)

Comparing fractions with like numerators

• Make sure the numerators are the same.
• Compare the denominators.
• The fraction with the smaller denominator is larger because each part is bigger.
• Write the inequality or equation using <, >, or =.

Comparing fractions with different denominators

• List multiples of each denominator until you find the smallest number that appears in both lists.
• For each fraction, multiply the numerator and denominator by the factor needed to reach the LCD.
• Once denominators are the same, compare the numerators; the fraction with the larger numerator is the bigger fraction. 

Comparing fractions for kids using benchmarks (0, 1/2, 1)

Comparing fractions for kids using benchmarks (0, 1/2, 1) by seeing if they are close to nothing (0), halfway (1/2), or a whole (1). By comparing fractions’ sizes relative to these easy-to-understand points, we can estimate and order tricky fractions, often by using a number line to see whether the numerator is much smaller, near half, or close to the whole denominator. 2/8, for example, is smaller than 1/2, whereas 6/8 is greater than 1/2. A brief explanation of the benchmarks:

• 0 — there is no parts of the whole (like 0/4, 0/7).
• 1/2 — the middle point; the numerator equals about half the denominator (e.g., 5/10, 4/8).
• 1 — All parts of the whole (e.g., 2/2, 5/5). 

With this approach comparing and ordering fractions feels natural and even fun.

How to compare fractions and decimals

Mathematical skills such as fractions and decimals promote understanding of relationships among quantities. The ability to solve problems involving ratios, proportions, measurements, and data analysis requires this skill.

Whenever you want to compare fractions and decimals, convert them all into the same format, either by dividing the numerator by the denominator, or by finding a common denominator or place value for each. Then, use greater than less than fractions concepts to compare the resulting numbers directly, using place value for decimals and numerators for fractions.

Comparing fractions examples (Solved examples)

Below, you can try to solve some comparing fractions examples.

Example 1: Compare  2/8 and 2/6  — which fraction is bigger?

Answer: 

The same numerators mean we need to look for slices of different sizes. 2/6 has bigger slices than 2/8, so the last one is smaller.

Example 2: Compare 3/4 and 2/4  — which fraction is less?

Answer: 

We have the same denominator (4), so the number on top tells us which is bigger.

Example 3: Compare 1/3 and 2/5 — which fraction is bigger?

Answer: 

Denominators are different, so we find a common denominator or visualize slices. 

Comparing fractions worksheets

To help your kid remember all the rules better, we have several worksheets. They consist of useful cheat sheets for comparing fractions grade 3 and others.  Check them out, and even better, print and hang them near your child’s table:

• Comparing fractions worksheet
• Comparing fractions worksheet 4th grade
• Equivalent Fractions Worksheets

FAQ on comparing fractions

What are the three rules for comparing fractions?

To begin with, convert fractions so that there is a common denominator. When the numerators and denominators are equal, compare the numerators. You can then convert to decimals if necessary to determine which is the larger number.

How to identify which fraction is bigger?

Compare fractions by using a common denominator, cross-multiplying, or converting to decimals. The fraction with the larger numerator or decimal value is the bigger one.

Which is bigger, 1/2 or 1/3?

1/2 is bigger than 1/3 because when both fractions are expressed with a common denominator, 1/2 equals 3/6, which is larger than 1/3 (2/6).

Which is bigger, 1/8 or 1/4?

1/4 is bigger than 1/8 because 1/4 equals 2/8, which is larger than 1/8.

Phoebe Belza-Barrientos

16 articles

Phoebe Belza-Barrientos is a Brighterly math tutor with 13 years of teaching background. Math is far more than just another basic subject for Phoebe; it’s a passion she now channels into every lesson. She builds study materials in a way that her students begin to feel the same discovery and enjoyment as she did in her school years.