Comparing Fractions Calculator: Which Fraction Is Greater?
Compare two fractions and get a greater than, less than, or equal result with clear steps.
Enter unlike denominators, mixed numbers, decimals, percentages, or whole numbers directly. You can also add and order multiple fractions from least to greatest or greatest to least.
Leave Whole blank for a simple fraction. Denominators cannot be zero.
Order more values
Add up to three more values for a total of five. Original notation is kept in the ordered answer.
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Private by design: your fractions stay in this browser tab and are not uploaded.
Result
Comparison3/4 > 5/83/4 is greater than 5/8.
Larger value:First value (3/4)
Exact absolute difference:1/8
Equivalent forms of both compared values
Value
Original
Simplified fraction
Mixed number
Decimal
Percentage
First
3/4
3/4
3/4
0.75
75%
Second
5/8
5/8
5/8
0.625
62.5%
Fraction models use eighths; each outlined bar represents one whole.
Show steps
How the Calculator Compares Fractions
The calculator converts each entry to an exact simplified fraction, then compares integers rather than rounded display values. Choose cross multiplication, a common denominator, or decimal steps to match the method used in class.
Accepted formats
Whole numbers: 4, -12
Fractions: 7/8, -9/4
Mixed numbers: 2 1/3, -1 5/8
Finite decimals: 0.75, -2.125
Percentages: 75%, -12.5%
The sign may appear before a value or in a fraction denominator. Each entry is limited to 100 characters, and decimals may contain up to 18 digits after the decimal point. Visual fraction models are limited to 60 equal parts and 12 whole units; larger models fall back to the signed number line.
Methodology and Review
Published by: Starlight Tools. Last tested: August 31, 2026.
Every accepted entry is converted to a rational number, signs are normalized, and the numerator and denominator are reduced by their greatest common divisor. Comparisons, LCD equivalents, and exact differences use integer arithmetic. Decimal displays are secondary approximations and never decide the answer.
No named mathematics reviewer is claimed because no verified individual reviewer and credentials are available for this page.
< means the value on the left is less than the value on the right. > means the left value is greater. = means both values occupy the same point on a number line.
Same denominator
When both fractions refer to the same whole and have the same positive denominator, compare numerators: 5/9 > 2/9 because 5 > 2.
Same numerator
For positive fractions with the same positive numerator, the smaller denominator gives the larger value: 3/5 > 3/8. This shortcut reverses for matching negative numerators, so compare negative fractions with a number line or an exact general method.
Unlike denominators
Find the LCD and create equivalent fractions, or cross multiply. For 3/4 and 5/8, the LCD is 8, so 3/4 = 6/8 and 6/8 > 5/8.
Mixed and improper fractions
Compare whole-number parts first when possible, or convert mixed numbers to improper fractions. For example, 2 1/3 = (2 × 3 + 1)/3 = 7/3. Improper fractions such as 9/4 can then be compared normally.
Whole numbers, decimals, and percentages
Write a whole number over 1, convert a finite decimal by place value, and place a percentage over 100. Thus 2 = 2/1, 0.75 = 75/100 = 3/4, and 62.5% = 62.5/100 = 5/8.
Negative fractions
On a signed number line, the value farther right is larger. Among two negative values, the one closer to zero is larger: -1/3 > -1/2.
Ordering several fractions
Convert all values to a shared LCD, then order their scaled numerators. The calculator can sort two to five entries in either direction and keeps each original entry visible.
25% = 25/100 = 1/4 -1/3 is negative; 1/4 is positive -1/3 < 25%
FAQs
How do I compare a fraction with a whole number?
Write the whole number over 1, then use a common denominator or cross multiplication. For example, compare 7/3 with 2/1: 7 × 1 > 2 × 3, so 7/3 > 2.
How do I compare a fraction with a decimal or percentage?
Convert the decimal by place value and the percentage by dividing by 100. For example, 0.6 = 6/10 = 3/5 and 60% = 60/100 = 3/5.
How do I compare negative fractions?
Use a signed number line or exact cross multiplication. The negative value closer to zero is greater, so -2/5 > -3/5.
How can I compare more than two fractions?
Open “Order more values,” add up to three entries, and choose an ordering direction. The result shows originals, simplified forms, shared-LCD equivalents, decimals, and percentages.
What do the inequality symbols mean?
The open side points toward the greater value: 3/4 > 2/3. The pointed side faces the smaller value. An equals sign means the values are equivalent.
Which is bigger, 3/4 or 2/3?
3/4 is bigger. With LCD 12, 3/4 = 9/12 and 2/3 = 8/12, so 3/4 > 2/3.