How do I remember which way point?

The open side always faces the larger number and the point faces the smaller one: 7 > 3 reads “7 is greater than 3”, and 3 < 7 reads “3 is less than 7”.

Which is bigger, −1/2 or −1/3?

−1/3 is bigger. On the number line −1/2 = −0.5 lies further left than −1/3 ≈ −0.333, so −1/2 < −1/3. With negatives, the number with the larger absolute value is the smaller one.

Greater Than or Less Than Calculator (compare numbers, decimals & fractions)

Q: Which is bigger, −1/2 or −1/3?

−1/3 is bigger. On the number line −1/2 = −0.5 lies further left than −1/3 ≈ −0.333, so −1/2 < −1/3. With negatives, the number with the larger absolute value is the smaller one.

Understanding the greater than or less than calculator — concept and principle

This calculator compares two numbers, including fractions, decimals and negative numbers, and states which is greater. It shows both as decimals, the difference, and a comparison over a common denominator. Use it for primary-school number sense, checking fraction homework or comparing prices and measurements.

Put both over the same denominator; the red square is the one extra twentieth.

How it is calculated

a < b when a lies to the left of b on the number line; a > b when it lies to the right.

Fractions: rewrite over a common denominator (the least common multiple) and compare numerators.
Decimals: line up the decimal points and compare digit by digit.
Difference = first − second; it is positive when the first number is greater.

The principle

The number line puts every real number in order. Any negative number is to the left of every positive one, and among negatives the one farther from zero is smaller, so −0.9 < −0.6. Fractions with different denominators cut the whole into pieces of different sizes, so they cannot be compared by their numerators until they share a denominator. Turning both into decimals works too, but a common denominator keeps the comparison exact.

Worked example

Default inputs: first number 3/4, second number 0.7.

As decimals: 3/4 = 0.75, and the second is 0.7.
Common denominator 20: 3/4 = 15/20 and 0.7 = 7/10 = 14/20, so 15/20 > 14/20.
Comparison: 3/4 > 0.7; the first number is greater.
Difference = 0.75 − 0.7 = 1/20 ≈ 0.05.

How to read the result

The difference tells you how far apart the numbers are, not just which is bigger. Here they differ by only a twentieth, so rounding both to one decimal place (0.8 and 0.7) would exaggerate the gap. The open side of the < or > symbol always faces the larger number.

Common mistakes

Comparing fractions by their denominators: 1/3 is not larger than 1/2.
Thinking a longer decimal is larger, such as 0.125 > 0.5.
Forgetting that −5 < −2 for negative numbers.
Reversing the symbol.

Keep in mind: Decimals from repeating fractions are rounded on screen; the comparison itself uses exact values where possible.

Frequently asked questions

Is 3/4 greater than 0.7?

Yes, 3/4 = 0.75, which is greater than 0.7.

How do I compare two fractions?

Rewrite them with a common denominator, or convert both to decimals.

Which is greater, −0.9 or −0.6?

−0.6, because it is closer to zero.

Sources: OpenStax, Elementary Algebra 2e (2020), §1.8 The Real Numbers

Checked 9 Nov 2026. OpenStax, Elementary Algebra 2e (2020), §1.8 The Real Numbers (order decimals by lining up the decimal points; compare fractions over a common denominator; a < b when a is to the left of b on the number line).

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