3rd Grade 3rd Grade Comparing Fractions
Compare two fractions using >, <, or =. Use the rules for same numerator and same denominator.
- Homework
- Review
- Test Prep
- Centers
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- Grade
- 3rd Grade
- Subject
- Math
- Skill
- Fractions
- Topic
- comparing fractions with the same numerator or denominator
- Difficulty
- Standard
- Time
- 15 minutes
- Pages
- 2 (incl. answer key)
- Format
- Printable PDF (US Letter)
- Answer key
- Included
- Best for
- homework, review, test prep, centers
Worksheet details
What This Worksheet Practices
Students will compare two fractions with the same numerator or the same denominator using >, <, or =.
- Comparing fractions with the same denominator
- Comparing fractions with the same numerator
- Using >, <, and =
Inside This Printable
Student directions: Write >, <, or = between each pair of fractions.
Worked example
Same denominator: 3/8 < 5/8 (more eighths is bigger). Same numerator: 1/2 > 1/4 (halves are bigger pieces).
Sample questions
- 2/6 ___ 4/6
- 5/8 ___ 3/8
- 1/3 ___ 1/6
The PDF contains 8 practice questions plus 2 challenge questions.
Worksheet Preview
Two rules for comparing
Comparing fractions comes down to two cases. Same denominator? The one with more pieces (bigger numerator) is bigger: 3/8 < 5/8. Same numerator? The one with bigger pieces (smaller denominator) is bigger: 1/2 > 1/4. And it only works when the wholes are the same size.
How to use it
Use pizza slices to make it concrete, and watch for the common trap that a bigger denominator means a bigger fraction. Builds on fractions of a shape and fractions on a number line.
👩🏫 Teacher note
Two rules: with the same denominator, more pieces (bigger numerator) is bigger; with the same numerator, fewer/larger pieces (smaller denominator) is bigger. Remind students the wholes must be the same size.
🏠 Parent note
Use pizza: 3/8 vs 5/8 — more slices of the same size is bigger. 1/2 vs 1/4 — halves are bigger pieces than fourths.
Common Mistakes to Watch For
- Thinking a bigger denominator means a bigger fraction
- Comparing fractions of different-size wholes
Answer Key
The comparison symbol is given for each problem.
⬇ Download Answer Key (PDF)Learn this skill first
Take the free lesson on fractions — worked examples and practice exercises, then come back to this worksheet.
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