Comparing Three-Digit Numbers: Hundreds, Tens and Ones

About This Resource

A free Grade 2 lesson and worksheet on comparing three-digit numbers with >, < and =: comparing hundreds, then tens, then ones, ordering numbers, finding the greatest and least, and explaining your thinking. Includes a timed lesson plan, worksheet, editable Word version and answer key.

Overview

Children compare numbers up to 999 by looking at the hundreds first, then the tens, then the ones, using a place value chart to line up the digits. They use the symbols >, < and =, order sets of numbers from least to greatest, solve problems about the greatest and least number, and explain how they know.

Resource Details

Subject: Math
Topic: Comparing Three-Digit Numbers
Category: Number Sense
File Type: PDF
File Size: 230.4 KB
Published: 30 Oct 2026
Downloads: 0

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Grade 2 (ages 7–8) 40 minutes Place value comparing ordering number sense reasoning

Student Task

Draw a place value chart (hundreds, tens, ones) and write 345 and 354 in it. Ask which is greater and why.
Teach the three steps, then do activity 1 together.
Children complete the rest of the worksheet; answers are in the answer key.

Classroom Use

Make the biggest number: children roll three dice, make the greatest and least three-digit numbers, and compare with a partner.
Human number line: five children hold three-digit number cards and the class puts them in order.
Place value war: pairs flip three digit cards each; the greater number wins the cards.

Differentiation

Support: use base-ten blocks and a place value chart for every question. Challenge: compare four-digit numbers and find numbers between two given numbers.

Answer Key & Assessment

Activities 1 and 2 check symbols and ordering; activities 3 to 5 check reasoning (answer key included).

Learning Objectives

Compare three-digit numbers by looking at hundreds, then tens, then ones.
Use the symbols >, < and = correctly.
Order three-digit numbers from least to greatest and explain the order.

Teacher Tips

Line the numbers up in a place value chart. Children who compare digits from right to left will think 299 is greater than 301.

What's Included

6-page printable PDF lesson pack: teacher lesson plan with timings, materials and differentiation
Key vocabulary list (4 words with meanings and examples)
Student worksheet (5 activities)
Editable Word version of the worksheet
Complete answer key (also as a separate PDF)