Ordering numbers to 100: what children learn
Comparing and ordering numbers means deciding which is bigger or smaller and putting several numbers in order. Year 2 pupils compare and order numbers from 0 up to 100 and use the signs < (less than), > (greater than) and =.
In this game children put five numbers in order, sometimes smallest first and sometimes largest first. Many rounds include a pair with the same digits swapped, such as 34 and 43, because that is exactly where place value understanding shows. You can move the cards with the arrow buttons or by tapping one card and then another to swap them.
This topic covers the Year 2 statutory requirement in the National Curriculum in England (Number – number and place value): pupils should be taught to “compare and order numbers from 0 up to 100; use <, > and = signs”. Year 2 pupils are usually aged 6–7.
For families following US standards, the closest Common Core standard is 1.NBT.B.3, which is taught in Grade 1.
How to play
Put the numbers in order. Use the arrow buttons, or pick one card and then another to swap them. Each game has 5 rounds. After you press Check, the correct order is shown if you got it wrong.
Step by step
- Compare the tens first. The tens digit is worth more than the ones digit, so look at it first. 52 is greater than 38 because 5 tens is more than 3 tens, even though 8 is bigger than 2.
- If the tens are equal, compare the ones. For 46 and 43 the tens are both 4, so compare the ones: 6 is more than 3, so 46 > 43.
- One-digit numbers have no tens. 9 has 0 tens, so it is smaller than any two-digit number, including 10.
- Read the instruction carefully. 'Smallest first' means start with the lowest number. 'Largest first' means start with the highest.
Worked examples
Example 1: Put 34, 43, 9, 70, 38 in order, smallest first.
Working: 9 has no tens, so it is smallest. Then 34 and 38 (3 tens; 4 ones before 8 ones), then 43, then 70.
Answer: 9, 34, 38, 43, 70
Example 2: Which sign goes in 61 ? 59?
Working: 6 tens is more than 5 tens.
Answer: 61 > 59
Example 3: Put 25, 52, 20, 5, 50 in order, largest first.
Working: Compare tens: 52 and 50 have 5 tens; 52 is larger. Then 25, 20 and finally 5.
Answer: 52, 50, 25, 20, 5
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Thinking 19 is bigger than 31 because 9 is a big digit. Build both numbers with tens and ones. 31 has 3 tens; 19 has only 1.
- Mixing up < and >. The wide, open end of the sign faces the bigger number. Some children like 'the crocodile eats the bigger number'.
- Ordering smallest first when asked for largest first. Underline the word 'smallest' or 'largest' before starting.
Activities to try at home
- Pick five cards from a pack of 0 to 9 digit cards, make two-digit numbers and put them in order.
- Compare prices in a shop or catalogue: which costs more, 45p or 54p?
- Order the ages of family members, or house numbers on your street.
Ideas for the classroom
- Human number line: give pupils number cards and ask them to stand in order without talking.
- Place numbers on a blank 0 to 100 line and discuss which are close together.
- Write statements with <, > and = and ask pupils to decide if they are true or false.
Printable worksheet
The printable worksheet uses the same question generator as the game, so it practises exactly the same skills. It comes with a separate answer sheet on the second page. Print it, or save it as a PDF from your browser's print menu.
Frequently asked questions
What are the < and > signs called?
< means 'is less than' and > means 'is greater than'. For example, 34 < 43 and 43 > 34.
Why does the game sometimes show 34 and 43 together?
These pairs use the same digits in different places, so the only way to order them is to understand tens and ones.
Can it be played with a keyboard?
Yes. Tab to a card's up or down arrow buttons and press Enter or Space to move it, then choose Check.