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Let's look at how to compare and order decimals, using number lines to help us.

On the number line below we can see that 2.3 (two and three tenths) is less than 2.8 (two and eight tenths).

2.8 is five tenths more than 2.3.

On this next number line we can see that 5.5 (five and five tenths) is less than 5.6 (five and six tenths), which is less than 5.9 (five and nine tenths).

The difference between the biggest number and the smallest number is seven tenths.

If we order the decimals from smallest to biggest we get: 5.2, 5.6, 5.9.

In this next number line 4.23 (four and twenty-three hundredths) is less than 4.27 (four and twenty-seven hundredths).

4.27 is four hundredths more than 4.23.

Look at this next example.

6.82 (six and eighty-two hundredths) is less than 6.86 (six and eighty-six hundredths).

6.82 is more than 6.8 (six and eight tenths or six and eighty hundredths).

6.86 is less than 6.9 (six and nine tenths or six and ninety hundredths).

If we order the four decimals from smallest to biggest we get: 6.8, 6.82, 6.86, 6.9.

Reordering activity

To get you thinking, have a go at this quick activity where you need to arrange decimal numbers in order, from smallest to biggest.

Comparing and ordering decimals quiz

Now try this quiz, to test your skills in comparing and ordering decimals even more!