Free Interactive Math Tool

Comparing and Ordering Decimals

Compare decimal values with the correct symbol or arrange several decimals in order using aligned place values, placeholder zeros, and an optional number line.

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Need Help Comparing Decimals?

Learn How to Compare and Order Decimals

Review decimal alignment, placeholder zeros, place-value comparisons, equality, number-line position, and ordering strategies.

Read the Comparing Decimals Guide

How It Works

Compare Decimals by Place Value

Align decimal points, add placeholder zeros when helpful, and compare corresponding digits from left to right. The first place containing different digits determines which decimal is greater.

1

Align Decimal Points

Place the decimal points in the same position so corresponding place values line up.

2

Add Placeholder Zeros

Trailing zeros do not change a decimal’s value, so 0.7 can be written as 0.700.

3

Compare From Left to Right

Begin with the greatest place. Stop at the first place where the digits differ.

4

Check the Required Order

For ordering problems, confirm whether the values should increase or decrease from left to right.

Interactive Practice

Compare or Order the Decimals

Correct 0
Problems 0
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Compare the Decimals

Medium

Choose the symbol that makes the comparison true.

0.7 0.68

Place-Value Comparison

Align the Decimal Points

First different place Placeholder zero

Write 0.7 as 0.700 and 0.68 as 0.680, then compare corresponding digits.

Number Ones . Tenths Hundredths Thousandths
0.7 0 . 7 0 0
0.68 0 . 6 8 0

Number-Line Visual

Compare Their Positions

Values farther to the right are greater.

Remember

Decimal Comparison Rules

Align Decimal Points

Corresponding place values must appear in the same columns before you compare the digits.

0.7
0.68

Add Placeholder Zeros

Zeros at the end of a decimal do not change its value.

0.7 = 0.70 = 0.700

Compare Left to Right

The first place containing different digits determines which number is greater.

0.700 > 0.680

Check the Direction

Least to greatest increases from left to right. Greatest to least decreases.

0.6 < 0.7 < 0.8

Keep Learning

Understand Why Decimal Comparisons Work

Review place-value alignment, equivalent decimals, placeholder zeros, comparison symbols, ordering directions, number-line position, and worked examples in the complete guide.

Read the Comparing Decimals Guide