Comparing Fractions: Which Is Bigger?

M4Comparing Fractions

Which fraction is bigger?
Which is smaller?

When we compare fractions, we work out which fraction represents more, less or the same amount.

Which fraction is bigger?

1/2 is bigger than 1/4

The 3-Step Method

1Check the denominators.

Are the denominators the same?

Same → Go to Step 2

Different → Go to Step 3

2Same denominators?

Compare the numerators. The larger numerator is bigger.

38 > 28

3/8 is bigger than 2/8

3Different denominators?

Find equivalent fractions first. Then compare.

12 = 24 > 14

1/2 is bigger than 1/4

💡 Key IdeaThe bigger the piece, the bigger the fraction. Make the pieces the same size before you compare — then just compare the top numbers.

Worked Examples

Compare the fractions. Write <, > or =.

13 vs 12

13 < 12 — 1/2 is bigger.

34 vs 24

34 > 24 — 3/4 is bigger.

23 vs 46

23 = 46 — they are equal.

⭐ Top TipEquivalent fractions represent the same amount, even if the numbers look different.

Watch Out! Common Mistakes

Thinking a bigger denominator means a bigger fraction.

18 > 14

Wrong! 14 is actually bigger — cutting into more pieces makes each piece smaller.

Comparing denominators instead of the fractions.

35 > 23

Wrong! You must compare the fractions, not the bottom numbers: 915 < 1015, so 23 is bigger.

Guessing without making the pieces the same size.

12 vs 34 — don’t guess!

Make the pieces the same size first:

12 = 24 < 34

✓ So 3/4 is bigger.

Check Your Understanding

1 25 35

2 12 23

3 34 58

⭐ Check answers in the Cheat Sheet!

⬇ Cheat Sheet

COMPARING FRACTIONS

Same denominators → compare numerators. Larger numerator = bigger fraction.
Different denominators → find equivalent fractions first, then compare.

Example: 12 = 24 > 14 · Bigger piece = bigger fraction.
Answers: 1: < 2: < 3: >

📖 Continue Your Journey

✓ M1 What Are Fractions?✓ M2 Equivalent Fractions ✓ M3 Simplifying Fractions M4 Comparing Fractions M5 Ordering Fractions M6 Adding Fractions (Same Denominator)M7 Adding Fractions (Different Denominator)M8 Subtracting Fractions (Same Denominator)M9 Multiplying Fractions M10 Dividing Fractions M11 Mixed Numbers M12 Fraction of an Amount M13 Percentage

→

Next Lesson: M5 Ordering FractionsArrange fractions from smallest to largest.

📄 Free printable: Download the Comparing Fractions cheat sheet (PDF) — keep it by your child's desk.

Quick summary

Same denominators: just compare numerators — the larger numerator is the bigger fraction.
Different denominators: make equivalent fractions first, then compare.
A bigger denominator means smaller pieces — 1/8 is smaller than 1/4, not bigger.
Never guess: make the pieces the same size before you decide.

Frequently asked questions

How do you compare two fractions?

If the denominators are the same, compare the numerators — the bigger numerator wins. If the denominators are different, convert to equivalent fractions with the same denominator first, then compare.

Is a fraction with a bigger denominator bigger?

No — usually the opposite. Cutting a whole into more pieces makes each piece smaller, so 1/8 is smaller than 1/4.

What symbols do children use to compare fractions?

The greater-than (>), less-than (<) and equals (=) symbols. For example 3/4 > 2/4 and 2/3 = 4/6.

When do children learn to compare fractions?

Comparing and ordering fractions appears from Year 3 with the same denominator, and with different denominators in Years 5–6 — it is a frequent 11+ question type.

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