Same denominator
Compare 3/8 and 5/8. Both wholes are divided into eight equal parts, so five parts is more than three parts: 5/8 > 3/8. No conversion is needed.
Same numerator
Compare 3/4 and 3/7. Three fourths uses larger pieces than three sevenths, so 3/4 > 3/7. This shortcut assumes positive denominators and the same positive numerator.
Use a visual check
Draw equal-length bars and divide each bar by its denominator. Shade the numerator parts. This makes the same-numerator rule easier to see: fewer divisions create larger pieces.
When the shortcut is not enough
Different numerators and denominators
For 5/12 and 3/7, cross-multiply: 5 × 7 = 35 and 3 × 12 = 36. Since 35 is smaller than 36, 5/12 < 3/7.
Negative fractions
Compare the positive magnitudes first, then remember that the value closer to zero is larger. For example, -3/4 < -3/7 because 3/4 is farther from zero.
Mixed numbers
Compare the whole-number parts first. If they match, compare the fractional parts. Converting both values to improper fractions is a useful check when the mixed-number parts are not obvious.
Quick practice
- 7/9 versus 4/9: compare the numerators.
- 2/5 versus 2/9: compare the size of the equal numerator parts.
- 4/11 versus 3/8: cross-multiply and compare 32 with 33.
For a complete method with unlike denominators, read the step-by-step comparison guide. You can also compare your answer with the fraction tool and review the four reliable methods.