Practice Exercises for Ordering and Comparing Multi-Digit Numbers 11 Plus
26 October 2026
Why comparing large numbers matters
Understanding how to compare and order large numbers is an essential skill for the 11+ maths exam. It helps children work confidently with place value and make sense of big numbers in test questions.
Step-by-step method
To compare large numbers, start by looking at the digits from left to right. Focus on the highest place value first, such as millions or hundreds of thousands.
Worked example
Compare 3,452,789 and 3,457,892
First, look at the millions digit: both numbers have 3 million.
Next, compare the hundred thousands: both have 4 hundred thousand.
Now, look at the ten thousands digit: the first number has 5, the second has 5, still the same.
Compare the thousands: the first has 2, the second has 7. Since 2 is less than 7, 3,452,789 is less than 3,457,892.
Summary of the approach
Always compare digits in each column, starting from the left. As soon as one digit is smaller or larger, you can decide which number is greater. This method works for any size of whole number.
Key insight: A practical way to help your child is to write the numbers one under the other, lining up the digits by place value. This makes it easier to spot differences quickly and avoid errors.
