Compare two numbers, fractions, or decimals with the correct inequality symbol.
Presets
Common comparisons
| A | B | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 | 0.5 | 1/2 = 0.5 |
| 2/3 | 3/4 | 2/3 < 3/4 |
| 5/8 | 0.6 | 5/8 > 0.6 |
| -2 | -5 | -2 > -5 |
| 0.1 | 0.01 | 0.1 > 0.01 |
| 2^10 | 1000 | 2^10 > 1000 |
Inequality symbols
What do >, <, and = mean?
> means greater than — the number on the left is larger than the number on the right. Example: 8 > 3.
< means less than — the number on the left is smaller than the number on the right. Example: 3 < 8.
= means equal to — both sides have the same value. Example: 1/2 = 0.5.
Two helpful memory tricks for children:
- Alligator metaphor. The open mouth of the symbol always eats the bigger number. In 8 > 3 the mouth opens toward 8, the larger value.
- Pointy side = smaller. The narrow tip always points to the smaller number, the wide opening to the larger one.
Related symbols used in algebra: ≥ (greater than or equal to) and ≤ (less than or equal to).
Frequently asked questions
How do I read the > and < symbols?
Read > as "is greater than" and < as "is less than". So 7 > 4 reads as "seven is greater than four", and 2 < 9 reads as "two is less than nine". The wide side of the symbol always faces the larger number, and the point always faces the smaller number.
How do I compare two fractions?
The quickest way is to convert both fractions to decimals by dividing the top number by the bottom number: 3/4 = 0.75 and 4/5 = 0.80. Then compare the decimals. You can also cross-multiply: for 3/4 vs 4/5, compute 3 × 5 = 15 and 4 × 4 = 16. Since 15 < 16, then 3/4 < 4/5. This calculator does both steps for you automatically.
Which is bigger: −3 or −5?
−3 is bigger than −5. On the number line, numbers get larger as you move to the right, so −3 sits to the right of −5. A useful way to think about it: −5 is "further below zero" than −3. In everyday terms, owing $3 is better than owing $5, so −3 > −5.
How do I compare decimals with different lengths?
Line them up at the decimal point and add zeros to the shorter one so both have the same number of digits after the point. For example, to compare 0.1 and 0.01, rewrite them as 0.10 and 0.01. Now it is clear: 10 hundredths is more than 1 hundredth, so 0.1 > 0.01. Never compare by how many digits each number has — 0.9 is larger than 0.10.
Can I compare a fraction and a decimal directly?
Yes — convert the fraction to a decimal, or convert the decimal to a fraction, so both numbers are in the same form. For example, to compare 5/8 and 0.6, divide 5 by 8 to get 0.625, then compare 0.625 with 0.6. Since 0.625 > 0.6, the fraction 5/8 is greater. This tool accepts either format and normalizes them for you.
What are ≥ and ≤ for?
≥ means "greater than or equal to" and ≤ means "less than or equal to". They are used when a number can be either strictly larger/smaller or match the compared value. For instance, "age ≥ 18" allows both 18 and any number above it. In plain comparisons between two specific numbers, one of >, <, or = always applies.
Compare any two values and see which is greater, smaller, or equal. Enter integers, decimals, fractions like 3/4, mixed numbers such as 1 1/2, or even powers like 2^10 — the tool parses each input, normalizes it to a decimal, and returns the correct inequality symbol together with a full-sentence explanation, the difference, the ratio, and a number-line visualization. Worked examples: for 3/4 vs 4/5 the result is 3/4 -5 because -3 sits to the right of -5 on the number line (owing less is more). Presets cover fraction-vs-decimal equivalence, negatives, tiny decimals, and exponent comparisons so students can learn inequality reasoning by example.