Number & Operations in Base Ten

Comparing Two-Digit Numbers

Using <, =, and > to compare two two-digit numbers.

Foundational15 min lesson2 min readUpdated August 12, 2026Author not yet attributed

Prerequisites

Tens and Ones

Which Number Is Bigger?

Once a number is understood as a group of tens plus ones, comparing two numbers becomes a matter of comparing those tens and ones — usually without needing to count out every single object.

Definition — Comparison Symbols

The symbols used to compare two numbers: < means 'is less than,' > means 'is greater than,' and = means 'is equal to.' The open end of < or > always faces the larger number.

To compare two two-digit numbers, look at the tens digit first. Whichever number has more tens is larger, no matter what the ones digit is. Only when the tens digits match does the ones digit decide which number is bigger.

Worked Example — Comparing by Tens

Compare 58 and 71. 58 has 5 tens, and 71 has 7 tens. Since 7 tens is more than 5 tens, 71 is the larger number, regardless of the ones digits. So 58 < 71.

Worked Example — Comparing When Tens Match

Compare 63 and 68. Both numbers have 6 tens, so the tens digits are tied. Compare the ones digits instead: 3 ones versus 8 ones. Since 8 is more than 3, 68 is larger. So 63 < 68.

Tip

The open side of < and > always points toward the bigger number, like a hungry mouth opening toward the larger amount to eat.

Common Mistakes

Comparing the ones digits first, such as deciding 47 is larger than 52 because 7 is more than 2.
Always compare the tens digit first. 52 has 5 tens and 47 has 4 tens, so 52 is larger no matter what the ones digits are.
Writing the comparison symbol backward, such as writing 58 > 71 instead of 58 < 71.
Say the comparison out loud first — '58 is less than 71' — then draw the symbol so its open side faces 71, the larger number: 58 < 71.

Key Takeaways

Compare the tens digits of two numbers first; more tens always means a larger number.
Only compare the ones digits when the tens digits are the same.
The open side of < or > always points toward the larger number.

Summary

Comparing two-digit numbers uses the same tens-and-ones thinking from place value to decide which number is larger. The next unit shifts from numbers themselves to measuring and describing the world around you, starting with length.

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