Comparing Decimals and Fractions



If one decimal has a higher number on the left side of the decimal point then it is larger. If the numbers to the left of the decimal point are equal but one decimal has a higher number in the tenths place then it is larger and the decimal with less tenths is smaller. If the tenths are equal compare the hundredths, then the thousandths etc. until one decimal is larger or there are no more places to compare.

It is often easy to estimate the decimal from a fraction. If this estimated decimal is obviously much larger or smaller than the compared decimal then it is not necessary to convert the fraction to a decimal

Greater Than, Less Than or the Same