4th Grade Comparing Fractions Worksheets with Answers (Free PDF)

Q: How do you compare two fractions with the same numerator?

Compare the denominators. The fraction with the smaller denominator has bigger pieces, so it is greater. For example, 3 fifths is greater than 3 sixths. You can also rewrite both fractions with a common denominator and compare the numerators.

Q: When should you use a common denominator?

Use a common denominator when neither the numerators nor the denominators match and no benchmark settles it. To compare 2 fifths and 1 third, change both to fifteenths. Six fifteenths and five fifteenths show that 2 fifths is greater.

Q: What does it mean to compare to a benchmark fraction?

You decide whether each fraction is less than, equal to, or greater than a friendly number like one half. Since 2 fifths is below one half and 4 sevenths is above it, 4 sevenths is larger without any more work.

$4th grade comparing fractions worksheet – Maths PDF$

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This 4th grade comparing fractions worksheet covers comparing fractions (Common Core 4.NF.A.2), with a free PDF to print.

Key takeaway: This worksheet helps fourth grade students practice comparing and ordering fractions with the symbols greater than, less than, and equal to.

Topic: Comparing Fractions (4th grade)
Content: 20 worksheet problems, from easy to challenging
Standards: 4.NF.A.2
Answers: On a separate page, so you can try every worksheet problem first
Format: Free printable PDF, US Letter, black and white

This worksheet helps fourth grade students practice comparing and ordering fractions with the symbols greater than, less than, and equal to. Also, students use whichever method fits best: same denominators, same numerators, benchmarks, or common denominators.

There are 20 problems. The first five compare fractions with a shared numerator or denominator, the next group uses a benchmark, a common denominator, or a number line, and two problems order whole lists of fractions. Then, the last seven are real situations, including running a mile, water bottles, a fruit stand, and a classmate’s claim. Also, plan about 30 minutes, and explain your reasoning in words.

This worksheet has 20 problems on comparing fractions with different numerators and denominators. Problems use common denominators, common numerators and the benchmark one half, and ask for answers with >, < or = (Common Core 4.NF.A.2).

Grade 4 · Common Core State Standards: 4.NF.A.2

4th grade comparing fractions worksheet: worksheet problems 1 to 10

1 – Same denominator

First, compare $\frac{3}{8}$ and $\frac{5}{8}$ using >, < or =.

2 – Tenths

Next, compare $\frac{7}{10}$ and $\frac{4}{10}$ using >, < or =.

3 – Same numerator

Then, compare $\frac{2}{3}$ and $\frac{2}{5}$.

Strips for two thirds and two fifths.

4 – Unit fractions

Now, compare $\frac{1}{4}$ and $\frac{1}{6}$.

5 – Fourths and eighths

Also, compare $\frac{3}{4}$ and $\frac{3}{8}$.

6 – Benchmark showdown

First, use the benchmark $\frac{1}{2}$ to decide which is greater: $\frac{4}{10}$ or $\frac{5}{8}$.

7 – Twelfths

Next, compare $\frac{2}{3}$ and $\frac{3}{4}$ using a common denominator.

8 – Sixths and fourths

Then, compare $\frac{5}{6}$ and $\frac{3}{4}$.

9 – Fifths and tenths

Now, compare $\frac{2}{5}$ and $\frac{3}{10}$.

10 – Compare to one half

Also, compare each fraction to $\frac{1}{2}$ using >, < or =: (a) $\frac{3}{8}$ (b) $\frac{4}{6}$ (c) $\frac{5}{10}$ (d) $\frac{2}{5}$.

Worksheet problems 11 and up

11 – Number line dots

First, the number line is split into eighths. Compare $\frac{5}{8}$ and $\frac{3}{4}$.

Dots at $\frac{5}{8}$ and $\frac{3}{4}$.

12 – Order eighths

Next, write these fractions from least to greatest: $\frac{4}{8}$, $\frac{2}{8}$, $\frac{6}{8}$, $\frac{1}{8}$.

13 – Order twelfths

Then, write these fractions from least to greatest: $\frac{2}{3}$, $\frac{5}{6}$, $\frac{1}{2}$, $\frac{7}{12}$.

Each fraction written in twelfths.

14 – Fifths and twelfths

Now, compare $\frac{3}{5}$ and $\frac{7}{12}$.

15 – Running a mile

Maya ran $\frac{3}{4}$ mile. Jamal ran $\frac{5}{8}$ mile. Who ran farther?

Distances shown as strips (each strip is one mile).

16 – Water bottles

Aisha filled $\frac{3}{5}$ of her water bottle. Diego filled $\frac{5}{8}$ of his identical bottle. Who has more water?

The two bottles drawn as strips.

17 – Fruit stand

Noah bought $\frac{1}{2}$ pound of apples, $\frac{3}{8}$ pound of pears and $\frac{5}{8}$ pound of peaches. List the fruits from lightest to heaviest.

18 – Three runners

Then, in Little League practice, three players ran $\frac{2}{3}$ mile, $\frac{3}{4}$ mile and $\frac{5}{6}$ mile. Order the distances from least to greatest.

Distances written in twelfths.

Worksheet problem 19 and after

19 – Mei's claim

Mei says $\frac{1}{8}$ is greater than $\frac{1}{4}$ because 8 is greater than 4. Is she right? Explain.

20 – Sofia's money

Sofia spent $\frac{3}{10}$ of her money on a book and $\frac{2}{5}$ on lunch. (a) Which cost more? (b) Together, did she spend more than, less than or exactly half of her money?

Key facts behind this 4th grade comparing fractions worksheet

Key facts

Compare fractions only when they are parts of the same whole.
Same denominator: compare numerators. Same numerator: compare denominators and the smaller denominator is greater.
A common denominator turns a hard comparison into a numerator comparison, such as 8/12 < 9/12.
Benchmark 1/2: a fraction is less than 1/2 when its numerator is less than half the denominator.
Record a comparison with >, < or = and check it on a number line.

Common mistakes with this 4th grade comparing fractions worksheet

Students say three fourths is less than three ninths because 4 is smaller than 9. Fourths are bigger pieces than ninths, so with the same numerator the smaller denominator wins.
Students agree that one tenth is greater than one fifth because 10 is greater than 5. More pieces means smaller pieces, so one fifth is greater.
Students order a list by numerators only. Also, convert every fraction to the same denominator before you order the list.
Students answer the first part of a two part question and skip the second. Add the two fractions as the same unit, then compare the sum with one half.

Tips before you start the worksheet problems

Before you use any method, check whether the denominators or numerators already match. Matching ones give the fastest answer.
Mark one half on a quick number line when you feel stuck. Placing both fractions on either side of it often settles the question.
Teachers can ask students to explain a classmate’s claim aloud. Correcting someone else’s reasoning shows whether the concept is clear.

Download the 4th grade comparing fractions worksheet as a PDF with the button below and keep it with your notes.

4th grade comparing fractions worksheet: frequently asked questions

How do you compare two fractions with the same numerator?

Compare the denominators. The fraction with the smaller denominator has bigger pieces, so it is greater. For example, 3 fifths is greater than 3 sixths. You can also rewrite both fractions with a common denominator and compare the numerators.

When should you use a common denominator?

Use a common denominator when neither the numerators nor the denominators match and no benchmark settles it. To compare 2 fifths and 1 third, change both to fifteenths. Six fifteenths and five fifteenths show that 2 fifths is greater.

What does it mean to compare to a benchmark fraction?

You decide whether each fraction is less than, equal to, or greater than a friendly number like one half. Since 2 fifths is below one half and 4 sevenths is above it, 4 sevenths is larger without any more work.

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