Tens More or Less Worksheet

The Tens More or Less Worksheet gives first graders eleven chances to compare two digit numbers and say which one is worth more. Comparing is the first place a child has to use place value rather than counting: 76 and 67 hold the same two digits, and the only way to tell them apart is to look at the tens first. Every item on this Tens More or Less Worksheet is built so that shortcut is the one that works.

Part A prints eight number pairs with an empty box between them, and the child writes the correct symbol. Three of those pairs are equal, which the original sheet never showed, so the equals sign gets real practice instead of being mentioned once and forgotten. Part B moves from two numbers to three: each item lists three numbers out of order and asks the child to write them into three boxes joined by less than signs, smallest first. The answer key on the second page fills in every symbol and every box.

What’s Included

• Eight two digit comparisons with a printed answer box for the symbol
• Equal pairs mixed in, so the equals sign is practised and not just named
• Three ordering items: write three numbers from smallest to largest
• One box size for every item, so no box hints at its own answer
• A complete answer key on the final page
• A print-ready PDF sized for standard letter paper

Three Reasons This Helps Kids

• Pairs like 76 and 67 or 17 and 71 force a child to read the tens place first, which is the actual first grade skill hiding inside every comparison.
• Writing the symbol into a printed box keeps the answer neat and makes a reversed sign easy for a teacher to spot.
• Ordering three numbers is the step comparing two numbers is preparing for, and doing both on one page shows a child they are the same idea.

Ideas for Teachers and Parents

Before writing anything, read the first pair aloud and ask which digit tells you the answer. Children who reach for the ones place are the ones who need the tens first habit most, and catching it on item one saves eight corrections later. For Part B, have children point to the smallest number before any box is filled. This 1st grade inequalities worksheet works well as a math center, a partner activity, or a quick check before a place value test.

Related Resources

• Comparing Two Digit Numbers Worksheet
• Less Than, Greater Than, or Equal To Worksheet
• Less Than Greater Than Worksheet
• Greater Than Less Than Inequalities Song