Math
Greater Than or Less Than Calculator
Type two to six numbers in whatever form they come, such as 3/4, 0.7, 72%, 2 1/2, or 6.5e-1, and the calculator compares them exactly, without floating-point rounding.
It writes the correct greater-than, less-than, or equal symbol between the first two, lists all of them from least to greatest, and shows every number converted to the same decimal and to fractions over a common denominator so you can see why the order is what it is.
One per line (or comma-separated on one line). Accepts integers, decimals, fractions, mixed numbers, percents, and scientific notation like 6.5e-1 or 6.5 × 10^-1. Two to six numbers.
Try an example
Result
Comparison of the first two
—
- Least to greatest
- —
- Greatest to least
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- As decimals
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- Over a common denominator
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Student quick launch
Grade planning, algebra checks, and formulas students reach for most.
Study path
Use this calculator with
Follow these when you want the formula behind the answer, a short lesson, or nearby tools in the same topic.
What the greater than or less than calculator solves
Comparing numbers is easy when they look alike and tricky when they do not: is 3/4 bigger than 0.7? Is 72% more than 2/3? This calculator converts every entry to an exact fraction, compares by cross-multiplication, and reports the answer with the > (greater than), < (less than), or = symbol. It also orders the whole list and shows the common-The bottom number of a fraction; it says how many equal parts make one whole. and decimal forms that make the order visible.
| Symbol | Read as | Example |
|---|---|---|
| > | greater than | 5 > 3, 3/4 > 0.7 |
| < | less than | -2 < 1, 0.25 < 1/3 |
| = | equal to | 75% = 3/4 = 0.75 |
| ≥ / ≤ | at least / at most | used in inequalities, not for two specific numbers |
Three ways to compare
- Common denominator: rewrite fractions over the same bottom number and compare the tops. 2/3 = 8/12 and 3/4 = 9/12, so 3/4 is larger.
- Decimals: divide to get decimals and compare place by place. 2/3 = 0.666… and 0.7 = 0.700, so 0.7 is larger.
- Cross-multiplication: for p/q and r/s with positive denominators, compare p × s with r × q. For 5/8 vs 7/11, 55 > 56 is false, so 5/8 < 7/11.
Percents, mixed numbers, negatives, and scientific notation
A percent is a fraction over 100 (72% = 72/100 = 18/25). A A whole number written next to a fraction, like 2 1/3. is a whole plus a fraction (2 1/2 = 5/2). Writing a number as one digit, a decimal part, and a power of ten. moves the decimal point: 6.5 × 10^-1 = 0.65. With negatives, remember the number line: -1/2 > -3/4 because it is closer to zero, even though 1/2 < 3/4.
How to use it
- Type each number on its own line in any form: fraction, decimal, percent, mixed number, or scientific notation.
- Read the comparison of the first two numbers with its symbol, then the full list from least to greatest.
- Open Show the work to see the fractions, the common denominator, and the decimals side by side.
How to read the answer
The main result compares the first two entries in the order you typed them: a < b means the first is smaller. The ordered list uses < between distinct values and = between equal ones. All conversions are exact, so 1/3 and 0.333 are correctly reported as different (1/3 is larger by 1/3000). The common-denominator line is the classroom justification; the decimal line is the quick check.
Common mistakes and edge cases
- Comparing fractions by their The top number of a fraction; it counts how many parts you have. or denominators alone: 1/3 > 1/4 even though 3 < 4.
- Assuming a longer decimal is bigger: 0.7 > 0.6999.
- Forgetting that with negatives the order flips: -3/4 < -1/2.
- Treating 0.75 and 75% as different values; they are equal.
- Rounding before comparing: 2/3 ≈ 0.67 and 0.67 are not equal; 2/3 is slightly larger.
Worked examples
3/4 vs 0.7
75/100 > 70/100.
Comparison of the first two
3/4 > 0.7
Four mixed forms
3/4, 0.7, 72%, 2 1/2 ordered.
Comparison of the first two
3/4 > 0.7
Equal values
75% = 3/4.
Comparison of the first two
75% = 3/4
Negatives
-3/4 < -1/2.
Comparison of the first two
-3/4 < -1/2
Scientific notation
6.5e-1 vs 2/3.
Comparison of the first two
6.5e-1 < 2/3
Close decimals
0.333 vs 1/3: the fraction is larger.
Comparison of the first two
0.333 < 1/3
Thousands separators
1,250 vs 1,245.5 on one line.
Comparison of the first two
1,250 > 1,245.5
Only one number
Two are needed.
Comparison of the first two
Error
Frequently asked questions
Which symbol is greater than?+
> is greater than and < is less than. The open side faces the larger number: 7 > 3, 3 < 7.
How do I compare a fraction and a decimal?+
Convert one to the other. 3/4 = 0.75, which is more than 0.7. Or write both over 100: 75/100 vs 70/100.
Is 3/4 greater than 0.7?+
Yes. 3/4 = 0.75 > 0.7.
How do I compare fractions with different denominators?+
Use a common denominator or cross-multiply: for 5/8 and 7/11 compare 5 × 11 = 55 with 7 × 8 = 56; since 55 < 56, 5/8 < 7/11.
How do I compare negative numbers?+
The one closer to zero is greater: -1/2 > -3/4. On the number line, further left means smaller.
How do I order numbers from least to greatest?+
Convert all of them to the same form (decimals or a common denominator), then sort. The calculator does this exactly for up to six numbers.
Are 0.333 and 1/3 equal?+
No. 1/3 = 0.333333… is larger than 0.333 by 1/3000. Only the infinite repeating decimal equals 1/3.
About this calculator
- Written by
- mathcheck editorial team
- Last reviewed
- September 4, 2026
Method
- Uses the values entered by the user and stable formulas documented on the page.
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Last updated: September 4, 2026