Compare thousands first
4,218 is greater than 3,999 because 4 thousands is more than 3 thousands.
The biggest place often decides straight away.
Year 4
Order and compare numbers beyond 1000
Compare and order four-digit numbers by checking the thousands, hundreds, tens and ones in turn.
Lesson overview
Number - number and place value
To compare larger numbers, look at the biggest place first. If the thousands are the same, compare the hundreds. If those match too, compare the tens, then the ones.
If thousands match
5,304 is less than 5,430 because the hundreds are smaller.
When the thousands match, move to the next place.
Order a set
Place the numbers from least to greatest.
Compare one place at a time.
Worked example
Order 4,206, 4,260 and 4,026 from smallest to largest.
- All three numbers have 4 thousands.
- Compare the hundreds next.
- 4,026 has 0 hundreds, so it is the smallest.
- Between 4,206 and 4,260, compare the tens. So the order is 4,026, 4,206, 4,260.
Round 1: Learn it
Compare the biggest place first, then keep moving right only if you need to.
Finish this round to unlock Round 2: Show you know it.
Question 1
Which number is greater?
Question 2
Which symbol makes this true: 4,508 __ 4,580?
Question 3
Which order is from smallest to largest?
Question 4
Write the smallest number: 7,012, 7,021, 7,102
Question 5
Which number is between 5,000 and 5,100?
Common mistakes
Watch for these as you work through the lesson.
- Comparing only the final digit first.
- Mixing up least to greatest and greatest to least.
- Using the wrong comparison symbol.
Related topics
These ideas connect closely to this lesson.
- Recognise the place value of each digit in a four-digit number.
- Round any number to the nearest 10, 100 or 1000.