4th Grade Comparing Fractions Test with Answer Key (Free PDF)

Q: What counts as a good explanation on a fraction comparison test?

A good explanation names a method and gives a number reason. For example, write that one half is greater than one third because halves are larger pieces than thirds. You can also show a common denominator, such as three sixths and two sixths.

Q: Is it okay to draw pictures on the test?

Yes. So, a quick fraction strip or number line is a valid way to compare fractions, and it can earn credit when it is labeled. Pictures help most on questions that already show a strip or a number line.

Q: How can I double check an ordered list of fractions?

Rewrite every fraction with the same denominator and read the numerators from left to right. They should rise. For a list with halves, thirds, and sixths, sixths work well as the common denominator. A quick check like this takes only a few seconds and prevents most errors.

$4th grade comparing fractions test – Maths PDF$

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

Key takeaway: This test helps fourth grade students show that they can compare fractions with the symbols greater than, less than, and equal to, and that they can explain why.

Topic: Comparing Fractions (4th grade)
Content: 9 questions with point values, about 45 minutes
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 test helps fourth grade students show that they can compare fractions with the symbols greater than, less than, and equal to, and that they can explain why. Also, it is worth 20 points and takes 45 minutes.

The nine questions begin with fractions that share a numerator or denominator, then use unlike denominators, benchmarks, and fraction strips. Then, later questions ask students to order four fractions, read points on a number line, and write explanations. Also, one question is a three part race problem, and another asks about water in two identical bottles. Then, show your reasoning for full credit.

This test checks comparing and ordering fractions with strips, number lines, benchmarks and word problems. It has 9 questions worth 20 points. Allow 45 minutes and no calculator.

Time and points

About this test

Grade: Grade 4
Chapter: Comparing Fractions
Standards: 4.NF.A.2
Time: 45 minutes
Total: 20 points

4th grade comparing fractions test: questions

1 – Same part [2 pts]

First, write >, < or = in each blank.

$\frac{5}{8} \quad\quad \frac{3}{8}$ (1 point)
$\frac{2}{6} \quad\quad \frac{2}{4}$ (1 point)

2 – Different denominators [2 pts]

Next, write >, < or = in each blank.

$\frac{3}{4} \quad\quad \frac{2}{3}$ (1 point)
$\frac{1}{2} \quad\quad \frac{4}{8}$ (1 point)

3 – Compare to one half [2 pts]

Then, write >, < or = to compare each fraction with $\frac{1}{2}$.

$\frac{4}{10}$ (1 point)
$\frac{5}{6}$ (1 point)

4 – Strips [2 pts]

Now, use the strips to compare $\frac{3}{5}$ and $\frac{7}{10}$. Write the comparison.

Two strips of equal length.

5 – Order the fractions [2 pts]

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

6 – Points on a number line [3 pts]

Points A and B are marked on the number line.

A number line split into eighths.

Write the fraction for point A. (1 point)
Also, write the fraction for point B in eighths. (1 point)
Write a comparison of A and B using >, < or =. (1 point)

7 – Ethan's claim [2 pts]

Ethan says $\frac{1}{3}$ is greater than $\frac{1}{2}$ because 3 is greater than 2. Is he correct? Explain.

Question 8 and after

8 – Race results [3 pts]

Maya ran $\frac{5}{6}$ mile, Jamal ran $\frac{3}{4}$ mile and Priya ran $\frac{2}{3}$ mile.

Who ran the farthest? (1 point)
Order the three distances from least to greatest. (2 points)

9 – Water bottles [2 pts]

Bottle A is $\frac{3}{8}$ full. Bottle B is $\frac{5}{12}$ full. The bottles are identical.

Two bottles drawn as strips.

Which bottle has more water? Explain.

Key facts behind this 4th grade comparing fractions test

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 test

Students claim one fourth is greater than one half because 4 is greater than 2. Instead, explain that fourths are smaller pieces than halves.
Students order fractions by numerators alone. Use a common denominator so every fraction is easy to compare. Slow down at that step and check it twice.
Students pick the fraction with the larger denominator in a bottle problem. Also, convert both to the same unit or compare with one half.
Students write a comparison without checking the number line. Instead, the point farther to the right is always the greater fraction.

Test-taking strategy

Start with the short comparisons. Then spend time on the ordering and explanation questions where the points add up.
When asked to explain, write one complete sentence with a reason, such as a benchmark or a common denominator.
Parents can review the night before by asking the child to compare a few pairs aloud and say which method they used.

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

4th grade comparing fractions test: frequently asked questions

What counts as a good explanation on a fraction comparison test?

A good explanation names a method and gives a number reason. For example, write that one half is greater than one third because halves are larger pieces than thirds. You can also show a common denominator, such as three sixths and two sixths.

Is it okay to draw pictures on the test?

Yes. So, a quick fraction strip or number line is a valid way to compare fractions, and it can earn credit when it is labeled. Pictures help most on questions that already show a strip or a number line.

How can I double check an ordered list of fractions?

Rewrite every fraction with the same denominator and read the numerators from left to right. They should rise. For a list with halves, thirds, and sixths, sixths work well as the common denominator. A quick check like this takes only a few seconds and prevents most errors.

All Grade 4 chapters: Grade 4 math.

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