Online math game

Greater or less: compare two expressions in a minute

Also known as: comparing numbers, compare expressions, greater than, less than, equal to

Work out both sides in your head and tap the bigger one or the “equal” sign. A round lasts one minute, and every five correct answers in a row take you up a level. You can play 10 minutes a day without signing up.

Go to the game ↓

1 minuteper round
4 levelsfrom sums up to 9 to 12 × 12
No sign-up10 minutes a day
Progress30-day chart

What it trains

Why compare expressions

The exercise works mental arithmetic and quick decisions: you solve two problems, hold both results and choose. Sometimes the sides are equal, so you can’t just eyeball it. At the higher levels the times tables come into play.

In your account the game has the same name: “Greater or Less”. Once you sign up, your rounds are saved: you see your score, correct answers, mistakes and level, and a 30-day chart shows how your results change.

You mix up the times tablesFrom level 3 the problems include multiplication
Comparing prices takes longer than you’d likeA quick estimate of two sums
Your child is learning to compare expressionsA familiar school task turned into a game
You want a short warm-upOne minute and the round is over

Mental arithmetic

Addition, subtraction and multiplication without writing.

Working memory

You hold the result of one side while working out the other.

Decision speed

In one minute, whoever calculates quickly and accurately solves more.

Accuracy

A mistake is subtracted from your score and resets your streak.

Rules

How to play

Start
Press “Start”. Two expressions appear on the left and right, and a one-minute timer begins.
Compare
Work out both sides in your head. Tap the bigger one, or tap “=” in the middle if they’re equal.
Keyboard
On a computer you can answer with the arrow keys: ← left, → right, ↓ equal.
Level
Every five correct answers in a row take you up a level. A mistake resets the streak but doesn’t lower the level.
Score
Your score is correct answers minus mistakes. After a minute you’ll see your score, correct answers, mistakes and level.

Play online

Greater or less online

Tap the bigger expression or the “equal” sign. Without sign-up you get 10 minutes of play a day.

Greater or Less

Compare two expressions and pick the bigger one. One minute in total; the problems gradually get harder.

Free play left today without signing up: 10 min

Method

What the exercise is based on

Comparing expressions is a familiar school math task: you put a “greater than”, “less than” or “equal to” sign between them. Here you do it against the clock, and difficulty grows step by step: from adding single-digit numbers to multiplication up to 12 × 12.

If you want more pure arithmetic, try “Quick Math”: there you type the answer yourself. And “Number Sequences” adds finding patterns in numbers.

1–9Sums up to 9Level 1: sums of single-digit numbers

up to 80Two-digit numbersLevel 2: adding and subtracting two-digit numbers

×MultiplicationLevel 3: the times tables mixed with addition; level 4: multiplication up to 12 × 12

Who it’s for

Which ages

Adults

A one-minute mental math warm-up. Easy to fit in between tasks.

Kids

Part of the “Kids” collection. Comparing expressions is familiar from school, and level 1 starts with adding numbers up to 9. Suitable from age 6. Kids set

60+

Not part of the “60+” collection: the whole round is one minute at a fast pace. In the “60+” collection, math is covered by “Quick Math” and “Making Change”.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

What if the expressions are equal?

Tap the “=” sign in the middle or press the ↓ arrow. Equal pairs are not common, roughly one task in seven.

Does the level drop after a mistake?

No. A mistake costs a point and resets your streak, but the level stays. To go higher, you again need five correct answers in a row.

Can I play with the keyboard?

Yes: the ← arrow picks the left expression, → the right one, and ↓ means “equal”.

Do I need to sign up?

No, you can play 10 minutes a day right away. Free sign-up lets you keep playing, save your results, track your progress and unlock the daily workout.

Does it work on a phone?

Yes, the game runs in the browser on a phone, tablet or computer. There’s nothing to install.

Save your results and track your progress

Free sign-up: round history, a chart by skill and a daily workout of 5 exercises. No credit card needed.

All trainers

Greater or less: compare two expressions in a minute