Compare & Order Three-Digit Numbers | Grade 2 Math

Compare and Order Three-Digit Numbers - Grade 2 Math
Grade 2 Math  ›  Numbers & Place Value  ›  Lesson 4
Grade 2 Math - Numbers and Place Value

Compare & Order Three-Digit Numbers

Learn to compare three-digit numbers by looking at hundreds first, then tens, then ones. Students use the symbols >, <, and = and explain which place value decides each comparison.

This lesson also develops ordering skills, including arranging several numbers from least to greatest or greatest to least and checking the order with place-value reasoning and number-line ideas.

Compare three-digit numbers Greater than & less than Order numbers Place-value reasoning 2nd Grade Math

๐ŸŽฏ What You Will Learn

Compare hundreds, tens, and ones
Start with the greatest place value and move right only when needed.
Use >, <, and = correctly
Record whether one number is greater than, less than, or equal to another.
Order several numbers
Arrange three-digit numbers from least to greatest or greatest to least.
Explain your reasoning
Name the first place where the numbers differ and use it to justify the comparison.
For parents & teachers — standards alignment: This lesson directly addresses CCSS 2.NBT.A.4: students compare two three-digit numbers based on the meanings of the hundreds, tens, and ones digits and record the result with >, =, and <. Ordering several numbers is a natural application of the same place-value reasoning. Texas Grade 2 TEKS 2.2(D) explicitly extends the work to comparing and ordering whole numbers to 1,200 using comparative language, numbers, and symbols; MathLattice keeps this core lesson focused on three-digit numbers from 100 through 999 and reserves the wider Texas number range for the later state-extension lesson.

๐Ÿง  Key Vocabulary

compare — decide whether one number is greater than, less than, or equal to another.
greater than — having a larger value.
less than — having a smaller value.
equal to — having exactly the same value.
order — arrange numbers according to their values.
least / greatest — the smallest value / the largest value in a group.

๐Ÿ”Ž Compare from Left to Right

For three-digit numbers, compare the hundreds first. If the hundreds are equal, compare the tens. If the tens are also equal, compare the ones.

1. HundredsCompare the hundreds digits first.
2. TensIf the hundreds match, compare the tens.
3. OnesIf hundreds and tens match, compare the ones.
Important: as soon as one place is different, that place decides the comparison. You do not need to compare the smaller places.

๐Ÿ”ฃ The Comparison Symbols

>greater than482 > 357
<less than314 < 389
=equal to625 = 625
Read the whole comparison: 482 > 357 means “482 is greater than 357.” The wide/open side of > or < faces the greater number, while the point faces the smaller number.

๐Ÿ’ฏ Compare Hundreds First

Because 4 hundreds is greater than 3 hundreds, 482 > 357. The tens and ones cannot change that result.

๐Ÿ”Ÿ If Hundreds Match, Compare Tens

The hundreds are tied at 4. Compare the tens next. Since 6 tens is greater than 2 tens, 463 > 428.

1️⃣ If Hundreds and Tens Match, Compare Ones

The hundreds match and the tens match. The ones decide the comparison: 1 one is less than 6 ones, so 571 < 576.

0️⃣ Zeros Still Matter

Zero can appear in any place, and its position affects the number. Compare the place values in order instead of skipping the zero.

605 < 650
Both have 6 hundreds. Then compare 0 tens with 5 tens.
709 > 690
7 hundreds is greater than 6 hundreds, so the comparison is decided immediately.

๐Ÿ“š Order More Than Two Numbers

To order several numbers, compare them by place value and place them in sequence. For least to greatest, start with the smallest. For greatest to least, start with the largest.

Helpful strategy: when several numbers share the same hundreds digit, group them together and compare their tens. If some tens also match, use the ones as the final tie-breaker. If two different representations have the same value, keep them together in the order and use = when you write a comparison chain.

➡️ Number-Line Check

On a standard number line, numbers farther to the right are greater. A number line can help you check an order that you already found with place value.

Common mistake: do not compare only the last digit. For example, 684 is greater than 659 even though 4 is less than 9, because the tens place decides the comparison: 8 tens is greater than 5 tens.

๐ŸŒŸ 25 Worked Examples

Try each problem first. Then open “Show solution” to check the place-value reasoning.
1Compare the hundreds first
Compare 482 and 357 using >, <, or =.
Show solutionHide solution

The hundreds digits are 4 and 3. Since 4 hundreds is greater than 3 hundreds, 482 > 357. We do not need to compare the tens or ones.

2Compare numbers with the same hundreds
Compare 314 and 389.
Show solutionHide solution

Both numbers have 3 hundreds. Compare the tens: 1 ten is less than 8 tens. Therefore 314 < 389.

3Recognize equal numbers
Compare 625 and 625.
Show solutionHide solution

Every corresponding digit is the same: 6 hundreds, 2 tens, and 5 ones. Therefore 625 = 625.

4Tens decide the comparison
Compare 463 and 428.
Show solutionHide solution

Both numbers have 4 hundreds. Compare the tens: 6 tens is greater than 2 tens. So 463 > 428.

5Same hundreds, different tens
Compare 741 and 769.
Show solutionHide solution

Both numbers have 7 hundreds. The tens digits are 4 and 6. Since 4 tens is less than 6 tens, 741 < 769.

6Ones decide the comparison
Compare 571 and 576.
Show solutionHide solution

The hundreds are equal and the tens are equal. Compare the ones: 1 is less than 6. Therefore 571 < 576.

7Same hundreds and tens
Compare 908 and 901.
Show solutionHide solution

Both numbers have 9 hundreds and 0 tens. Compare the ones: 8 is greater than 1. So 908 > 901.

8A zero in the tens place
Compare 605 and 650.
Show solutionHide solution

Both numbers have 6 hundreds. The tens digits are 0 and 5. Since 0 tens is less than 5 tens, 605 < 650.

9A larger hundreds digit wins
Compare 709 and 690.
Show solutionHide solution

The hundreds digits are 7 and 6. Since 7 hundreds is greater than 6 hundreds, 709 > 690.

10Compare a whole hundred
Compare 800 and 799.
Show solutionHide solution

800 has 8 hundreds, while 799 has 7 hundreds. Since 8 hundreds is greater than 7 hundreds, 800 > 799.

11Compare when zero is in the ones place
Compare 420 and 402.
Show solutionHide solution

The hundreds digits are both 4. Compare the tens: 2 tens is greater than 0 tens. Therefore 420 > 402.

12Zero tens can make the number smaller
Compare 303 and 330.
Show solutionHide solution

Both numbers have 3 hundreds. Compare the tens: 0 tens is less than 3 tens. So 303 < 330.

13Choose the greater number
Which is greater: 516 or 561?
Show solutionHide solution

Both numbers have 5 hundreds. Compare the tens: 6 tens is greater than 1 ten. The greater number is 561.

14Choose the smaller number
Which is smaller: 704 or 740?
Show solutionHide solution

Both numbers have 7 hundreds. Compare the tens: 0 tens is less than 4 tens. The smaller number is 704.

15Choose the correct symbol
Fill in the symbol: 268 ___ 286.
Show solutionHide solution

Both numbers have 2 hundreds. Compare the tens: 6 tens is less than 8 tens. Therefore 268 < 286.

16Compare two numbers close together
Fill in the symbol: 930 ___ 903.
Show solutionHide solution

Both numbers have 9 hundreds. Compare the tens: 3 tens is greater than 0 tens. Therefore 930 > 903.

17Order three numbers from least to greatest
Order 214, 241, 124 from least to greatest.
Show solutionHide solution

Compare the hundreds first. 124 has only 1 hundred, so it is least. The other two have 2 hundreds; 214 has 1 ten and 241 has 4 tens. Therefore 124 < 214 < 241.

18Order three numbers from greatest to least
Order 672, 627, 762 from greatest to least.
Show solutionHide solution

762 has 7 hundreds, so it is greatest. The other two have 6 hundreds. Compare their tens: 7 tens is greater than 2 tens. Therefore 762 > 672 > 627.

19Order four numbers carefully
Order 405, 450, 415, 451 from least to greatest.
Show solutionHide solution

All four have 4 hundreds. Compare the tens: 405 has 0 tens, 415 has 1 ten, and 450 and 451 have 5 tens. Finally compare 450 and 451 by ones. The order is 405 < 415 < 450 < 451.

20Order numbers with many 9s and 0s
Order 999, 909, 990, 900 from least to greatest.
Show solutionHide solution

All have 9 hundreds. Compare tens: 900 and 909 have 0 tens, while 990 and 999 have 9 tens. Then compare ones inside each pair. The order is 900 < 909 < 990 < 999.

21Explain why one number is greater
Explain why 548 > 539.
Show solutionHide solution

Both numbers have 5 hundreds. Compare the tens: 4 tens is greater than 3 tens. That decides the comparison, so 548 > 539.

22Compare expanded and standard form
Compare 600 + 20 + 4 and 615.
Show solutionHide solution

The expanded form equals 624. Compare 624 and 615: both have 6 hundreds, but 2 tens is greater than 1 ten. Therefore 600 + 20 + 4 > 615.

23Compare word form and standard form
Compare seven hundred five and 750.
Show solutionHide solution

Seven hundred five is 705. Both numbers have 7 hundreds, but 705 has 0 tens while 750 has 5 tens. Therefore 705 < 750.

24Find the comparison mistake
A student says, “684 < 659 because 4 is less than 9.” Is the student correct?
Show solutionHide solution

No. Compare from the greatest place value, not from the ones first. The hundreds are equal, so compare the tens: 8 tens is greater than 5 tens. Therefore 684 > 659.

25Challenge: order four numbers
Order 608, 680, 806, 860 from least to greatest.
Show solutionHide solution

The 600s come before the 800s. Within the 600s, 608 is less than 680 because 0 tens is less than 8 tens. Within the 800s, 806 is less than 860 because 0 tens is less than 6 tens. So 608 < 680 < 806 < 860.

๐ŸŽฎ Independent Practice — 30 Problems

  1. Fill in >, <, or =: 425 ___ 352.
  2. Fill in >, <, or =: 318 ___ 381.
  3. Fill in >, <, or =: 644 ___ 644.
  4. Fill in >, <, or =: 572 ___ 529.
  5. Fill in >, <, or =: 736 ___ 763.
  6. Fill in >, <, or =: 814 ___ 819.
  7. Fill in >, <, or =: 907 ___ 970.
  8. Fill in >, <, or =: 700 ___ 699.
  9. Fill in >, <, or =: 504 ___ 540.
  10. Fill in >, <, or =: 880 ___ 808.
  11. Which is greater: 491 or 419?
  12. Which is smaller: 605 or 650?
  13. Which is greater: 732 or 723?
  14. Which is smaller: 990 or 909?
  15. Compare 300 + 80 + 4 and 392 using >, <, or =.
  16. Compare 700 + 5 and 705 using >, <, or =.
  17. Compare six hundred forty-two and 624 using >, <, or =.
  18. Compare 809 and eight hundred ninety using >, <, or =.
  19. Order 217, 271, 127 from least to greatest.
  20. Order 480, 408, 840, 804 from least to greatest.
  21. Order 635, 653, 563 from greatest to least.
  22. Order 900, 990, 909, 999 from greatest to least.
  23. Order 305, 350, 503, 530 from least to greatest.
  24. Fill in >, <, or =: 701 ___ 710.
  25. Fill in >, <, or =: 450 ___ 405.
  26. Explain why 682 is greater than 672.
  27. Explain why 509 is less than 590.
  28. A student says 437 > 472 because 7 > 2. Explain and correct the mistake.
  29. Order 618, 681, 816, 861 from least to greatest.
  30. Challenge: order 707, 770, 700, 777 from greatest to least.

๐Ÿ† Lesson Test — 15 Questions

  1. Fill in >, <, or =: 463 ___ 346.
  2. Fill in >, <, or =: 725 ___ 752.
  3. Fill in >, <, or =: 808 ___ 808.
  4. Compare 641 and 615 using >, <, or =.
  5. Compare 392 and 397 using >, <, or =.
  6. Which is greater: 509 or 590?
  7. Which is smaller: 870 or 807?
  8. Compare 400 + 60 + 3 and 436 using >, <, or =.
  9. Compare 702 and seven hundred twenty using >, <, or =.
  10. Order 312, 321, 213 from least to greatest.
  11. Order 605, 650, 560 from greatest to least.
  12. Order 909, 990, 900, 999 from least to greatest.
  13. Explain why 781 is greater than 718.
  14. Fix the mistake: 654 < 645 because 4 < 5.
  15. Challenge: order 600 + 30 + 7, 673, and six hundred thirty-seven from least to greatest.

๐Ÿ” Complete Answer Key

Show practice answer keyHide practice answer key

Practice Answers

Answer-key note: For explanation and ordering items, equivalent wording or notation is acceptable when the place-value reasoning and final order are correct.

1. 425 > 352.
2. 318 < 381.
3. 644 = 644.
4. 572 > 529.
5. 736 < 763.
6. 814 < 819.
7. 907 < 970.
8. 700 > 699.
9. 504 < 540.
10. 880 > 808.
11. 491.
12. 605.
13. 732.
14. 909.
15. 300 + 80 + 4 = 384, so 384 < 392.
16. 700 + 5 = 705, so the numbers are equal: =.
17. Six hundred forty-two is 642, so 642 > 624.
18. Eight hundred ninety is 890, so 809 < 890.
19. 127, 217, 271.
20. 408, 480, 804, 840.
21. 653, 635, 563.
22. 999, 990, 909, 900.
23. 305, 350, 503, 530.
24. 701 < 710.
25. 450 > 405.
26. Both have 6 hundreds. 8 tens is greater than 7 tens, so 682 > 672.
27. Both have 5 hundreds. 0 tens is less than 9 tens, so 509 < 590.
28. The student compared the ones before the tens. The hundreds are equal, but 3 tens is less than 7 tens, so 437 < 472.
29. 618, 681, 816, 861.
30. 777, 770, 707, 700.
Show test answer keyHide test answer key

Test Answers

Answer-key note: For explanation and ordering items, equivalent wording or notation is acceptable when the place-value reasoning and final order are correct.

1. 463 > 346.
2. 725 < 752.
3. 808 = 808.
4. 641 > 615.
5. 392 < 397.
6. 590.
7. 807.
8. 400 + 60 + 3 = 463, so 463 > 436.
9. Seven hundred twenty is 720, so 702 < 720.
10. 213, 312, 321.
11. 650, 605, 560.
12. 900, 909, 990, 999.
13. Both have 7 hundreds. 8 tens is greater than 1 ten, so 781 > 718.
14. The comparison is wrong. The hundreds are equal, but 5 tens is greater than 4 tens, so 654 > 645.
15. 600 + 30 + 7 and six hundred thirty-seven are both 637. The order is 637, 637, 673; equivalently, 600 + 30 + 7 = six hundred thirty-seven < 673.

๐Ÿ’ก Common Mistakes to Watch For

Starting with the ones
Compare the greatest place value first: hundreds, then tens, then ones.
Reversing > and <
Read the full sentence and remember that the open side faces the greater number.
Ignoring a zero
605 and 650 both have 6 hundreds, but 0 tens is less than 5 tens.
Ordering only by the hundreds digit
When hundreds match, the tens — and sometimes the ones — decide the order.
What comes next: Lesson 5 uses place-value patterns to skip count by 2s, 5s, 10s, and 100s.

๐Ÿ”— Related Lessons

Lesson 3 — Read, Write & Expand Numbers to 1,000Review standard, word, and expanded forms before comparing numbers written in different ways. Lesson 1 — Numbers to 1,000: Hundreds, Tens & OnesReview how the hundreds, tens, and ones digits determine a three-digit number's value. Lesson 2 — Compose & Decompose Three-Digit NumbersReview equivalent place-value representations of three-digit numbers.

๐Ÿ–จ️ Printable Companion

A future Compare & Order Three-Digit Numbers Practice Pack can include comparison-symbol practice, place-value comparison cards, ordering challenges, number-line checks, error-analysis tasks, mixed review, and a complete answer key.

← Lesson 3: Read, Write & Expand Numbers to 1,000 Grade 2 Math Hub Next: Skip Count by 2s, 5s, 10s & 100s →

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