Ascending and Descending Order Free Worksheet for Class 1 with Answers

This page is a practice resource: ascending and descending order examples for Class 1 come with step-by-step answers, plus a free worksheet and practice questions you can use at home or in class.

Ascending order is also called increasing order, and descending order is sometimes called decreasing order both terms show up in Class 1 (First Class) worksheets and question papers, so we’ll use them interchangeably below.

If you need the full definitions, symbol explanations, and teaching method before working through these, start with ascending and descending order in Maths Class 1, then return here.

There are 50+ solved examples across five difficulty levels, progressing from single-digit numbers to real-life word problems, plus a printable worksheet at the end. Work through each level until it feels effortless before moving to the next.

Ascending vs Descending Order: Quick Comparison

A fast reference before you start the examples below. Also useful if you’ve been asked the difference between ascending and descending order in class.

	Ascending Order	Descending Order
Also called	Increasing order	Decreasing order
Direction	Smallest → Largest	Largest → Smallest
Symbol used	< (less than)	> (greater than)
Example	3, 5, 7, 9	9, 7, 5, 3
Real-life example	Lining up shortest to tallest	Lining up tallest to shortest

For a deeper breakdown with more examples, see our full guide on the difference between ascending and descending order.

Level 1: Ascending Order Examples — Single-Digit Numbers Within 10

Ascending order (increasing order) means arranging numbers from smallest to largest.

How to solve every ascending order example one method, always works:

• Find the smallest number → place it first
• Find the smallest of what remains → place it second
• Repeat until all numbers are placed
• Check every pair from left to right

Set	Step-by-Step	Answer
3, 1, 5	Smallest: 1 → Next: 3 → Last: 5	1, 3, 5 ✅
7, 2, 9	Smallest: 2 → Next: 7 → Last: 9	2, 7, 9 ✅
6, 4, 8	Smallest: 4 → Next: 6 → Last: 8	4, 6, 8 ✅
5, 1, 3, 8	Smallest: 1 → Next: 3 → Next: 5 → Last: 8	1, 3, 5, 8 ✅
9, 4, 6, 2	Smallest: 2 → Next: 4 → Next: 6 → Last: 9	2, 4, 6, 9 ✅

Self-check: Is each number bigger than the one before it? Check every pair, not just the first and last.

More Ascending Order Examples for Class 1

Use these ascending order questions for Class 1 when the child needs more single-digit practice before moving forward.

Question	Answer
Arrange 4, 1, 7 in ascending order	1, 4, 7 ✅
Arrange 8, 3, 6 in ascending order	3, 6, 8 ✅
Arrange 2, 9, 5 in ascending order	2, 5, 9 ✅
Arrange 10, 6, 1 in ascending order	1, 6, 10 ✅
Arrange 7, 5, 2, 9 in ascending order	2, 5, 7, 9 ✅
Arrange 3, 8, 1, 6 in ascending order	1, 3, 6, 8 ✅
Arrange 5, 9, 2, 7 in ascending order	2, 5, 7, 9 ✅
Arrange 10, 4, 7, 1 in ascending order	1, 4, 7, 10 ✅

Level 1: Descending Order Examples — Single-Digit Numbers Within 10

Descending order (decreasing order) means arranging numbers from largest to smallest.

How to solve every descending order example — same method, opposite direction:

• Find the largest number → place it first
• Find the largest of what remains → place it second
• Repeat until all numbers are placed
• Check every pair from left to right

Set	Step-by-Step	Answer
8, 3, 6	Largest: 8 → Next: 6 → Last: 3	8, 6, 3 ✅
9, 4, 7	Largest: 9 → Next: 7 → Last: 4	9, 7, 4 ✅
5, 1, 3	Largest: 5 → Next: 3 → Last: 1	5, 3, 1 ✅
8, 2, 5, 1	Largest: 8 → Next: 5 → Next: 2 → Last: 1	8, 5, 2, 1 ✅
10, 4, 7, 2	Largest: 10 → Next: 7 → Next: 4 → Last: 2	10, 7, 4, 2 ✅

Self-check: Is each number smaller than the one before it? Check every pair.

More Descending Order Examples for Class 1

These descending order questions for Class 1 follow the same difficulty as the ascending set above, so children can compare both directions side by side.

Question	Answer
Arrange 6, 2, 9 in descending order	9, 6, 2 ✅
Arrange 3, 8, 5 in descending order	8, 5, 3 ✅
Arrange 10, 4, 7 in descending order	10, 7, 4 ✅
Arrange 2, 5, 1, 9 in descending order	9, 5, 2, 1 ✅
Arrange 6, 10, 3, 8 in descending order	10, 8, 6, 3 ✅
Arrange 4, 9, 1, 7 in descending order	9, 7, 4, 1 ✅
Arrange 8, 3, 6, 1 in descending order	8, 6, 3, 1 ✅
Arrange 5, 10, 2, 7 in descending order	10, 7, 5, 2 ✅

Level 2: Ascending and Descending Order Examples With Numbers to 20

The same step-by-step rules apply to two-digit numbers up to 20; only the number range changes.

When comparing two-digit numbers feels uncertain, use a number line to confirm which is larger; numbers are always further right.

For a hands-on way to teach this, see our number line for Class 1 guide.

Ascending Order — Numbers to 20

Set	Answer
11, 7, 15	7, 11, 15 ✅
14, 9, 18	9, 14, 18 ✅
6, 13, 10, 17	6, 10, 13, 17 ✅
20, 12, 8, 16	8, 12, 16, 20 ✅
19, 4, 11, 7	4, 7, 11, 19 ✅
15, 3, 9, 12	3, 9, 12, 15 ✅
18, 6, 14, 10	6, 10, 14, 18 ✅

Descending Order — Numbers to 20

Set	Answer
15, 8, 12	15, 12, 8 ✅
19, 11, 14	19, 14, 11 ✅
20, 13, 17, 9	20, 17, 13, 9 ✅
18, 5, 14, 10	18, 14, 10, 5 ✅
16, 7, 12, 3	16, 12, 7, 3 ✅
20, 4, 16, 8	20, 16, 8, 4 ✅
17, 9, 13, 5	17, 13, 9, 5 ✅

Level 3: Mixed Practice — Identify the Order First

Before ordering numbers confidently, children must recognise which type of order a sequence is already in.

This is the reverse skill: reading an existing sequence and naming its direction.

It builds a deeper understanding than ordering alone.

Part A: Identify Whether Each Sequence Is Ascending or Descending

Sequence	Answer
2, 5, 8, 11	Ascending ✅
14, 10, 6, 2	Descending ✅
3, 9, 15	Ascending ✅
20, 16, 12, 8	Descending ✅
1, 4, 7, 10	Ascending ✅
18, 13, 9, 4	Descending ✅
5, 10, 15, 20	Ascending ✅
12, 8, 4	Descending ✅

Part B: Arrange These Mixed Sets in the Stated Direction

Set	Direction	Answer
7, 3, 9, 1	Ascending	1, 3, 7, 9 ✅
8, 14, 5, 11	Descending	14, 11, 8, 5 ✅
16, 4, 10, 7	Ascending	4, 7, 10, 16 ✅
20, 9, 15, 3	Descending	20, 15, 9, 3 ✅
12, 6, 18, 4	Ascending	4, 6, 12, 18 ✅
5, 17, 9, 14	Descending	17, 14, 9, 5 ✅
2, 14, 8, 20	Ascending	2, 8, 14, 20 ✅
19, 7, 13, 1	Descending	19, 13, 7, 1 ✅

Level 4: Missing Number Examples

Missing number examples are the most demanding ordering exercise at the Class 1 level.

They require children to understand both the direction of the sequence and the size relationship between the numbers on either side of the blank.

How to solve missing number examples:

• Look at the numbers on either side of the blank.
• Check the gap between the known numbers.
• Ask: “What number fits between them and keeps the same gap?”
• Write the answer, then verify that the full sequence read correctly in its stated direction.

Worked example: Sequence: 2, 4, __, 8 (ascending). Gap between 2 and 4 = 2. So missing number = 4 + 2 = 6. Check: 2, 4, 6, 8 — each number is 2 more than the one before. ✅

Missing Numbers — Ascending Sequences

Sequence	Answer
2, 4, __, 8	6 ✅
__, 6, 9, 12	3 ✅
5, __, 11, 14	8 ✅
10, 13, __, 19	16 ✅
1, 3, __, 7	5 ✅
4, __, 12, 16	8 ✅
__, 9, 12, 15	6 ✅
2, 6, __, 14	10 ✅

Missing Numbers — Descending Sequences

Sequence	Answer
10, 8, __, 4	6 ✅
18, __, 12, 9	15 ✅
20, 16, __, 8	12 ✅
__, 14, 10, 6	18 ✅
15, 12, __, 6	9 ✅
20, __, 12, 8	16 ✅
__, 13, 9, 5	17 ✅
16, 12, __, 4	8 ✅

Level 5: Real-Life Word Problems

Real-life word problems make ordering feel purposeful. When children see that ordering numbers is something they already do naturally sorting objects by size, comparing ages, counting steps the concept becomes memorable and meaningful.

How to solve ordering word problems:

• Read the problem and identify the numbers.
• Read the question; it will tell you the direction (ascending or descending).
• Apply the same step-by-step method used in Levels 1-4.
• Write the answer using the original context (not just numbers).

Word Problem 1 — Toy Cars

Amir has 4 toy cars. His friend has 9. His sister has 6. Arrange the number of toys in ascending order.

Numbers: 4, 9, 6. Smallest first: 4 → Next: 6 → Last: 9

Answer: 4, 6, 9 ✅

Word Problem 2 — Balloons

A shop has 12 red balloons, 5 blue balloons, and 8 yellow balloons. Arrange the numbers in descending order.

Numbers: 12, 5, 8. Largest first: 12 → Next: 8 → Last: 5

Answer: 12, 8, 5 ✅

Word Problem 3 — Ages

Priya is 6 years old. Her cousin is 9. Her brother is 7. Arrange their ages in ascending order.

Numbers: 6, 9, 7. Smallest first: 6 → Next: 7 → Last: 9

Answer: 6, 7, 9 ✅

Word Problem 4 — Steps Climbed

Three children climb steps. Rohan climbs 15 steps, Sara climbs 8, and Dev climbs 11. Arrange the steps in descending order.

Numbers: 15, 8, 11. Largest first: 15 → Next: 11 → Last: 8

Answer: 15, 11, 8 ✅

Word Problem 5 — Books on a Shelf

Three books have 10 pages, 18 pages, and 12 pages. Arrange the page numbers in ascending order.

Numbers: 10, 18, 12. Smallest first: 10 → Next: 12 → Last: 18

Answer: 10, 12, 18 ✅

Word Problem 6 — Marbles

Kemi has 17 marbles. Raj has 11. Lena has 14. Arrange the number of marbles in descending order.

Numbers: 17, 11, 14. Largest first: 17 → Next: 14 → Last: 11

Answer: 17, 14, 11 ✅

Word Problem 7 — Points in a Game

Three players score 8 points, 20 points, and 13 points. Arrange the scores in ascending order.

Numbers: 8, 20, 13. Smallest first: 8 → Next: 13 → Last: 20

Answer: 8, 13, 20 ✅

Word Problem 8 — Counting Coins

Riya has 9 coins in her piggy bank. Aman has 4. Their little brother has 7. Arrange the number of coins in ascending order.

Numbers: 9, 4, 7. Smallest first: 4 → Next: 7 → Last: 9

Answer: 4, 7, 9 ✅

Want more practice with money-related word problems specifically? Try Counting Money for Grade 1 and Grade 2 Counting Money for hands-on counting activities.

Worksheet-Style Practice: Try These Yourself

Work through these independently before checking the answers in the next section.

Use the step-by-step method from Level 1.

Section A: Arrange in Ascending Order

1. 7, 2, 5 → __, __, __
2. 14, 6, 10, 3 → __, __, __, __
3. 18, 9, 13 → __, __, __
4. 4, 12, 8, 16 → __, __, __, __
5. 20, 5, 11, 7 → __, __, __, __
6. 3, 17, 9, 14 → __, __, __, __
7. 16, 2, 10, 8 → __, __, __, __

Section B: Arrange in Descending Order

1. 4, 9, 6 → __, __, __
2. 20, 11, 16, 8 → __, __, __, __
3. 7, 15, 12 → __, __, __
4. 18, 10, 14, 6 → __, __, __, __
5. 13, 3, 19, 9 → __, __, __, __
6. 5, 20, 12, 8 → __, __, __, __
7. 17, 4, 11, 9 → __, __, __, __

Section C: Fill in the Missing Number

1. 3, __, 9, 12 (ascending)
2. 16, __, 8, 4 (descending)
3. 5, 10, __, 20 (ascending)
4. 20, 15, __, 5 (descending)
5. 2, 4, __, 8 (ascending)
6. __, 12, 8, 4 (descending)
7. 6, 9, __, 15 (ascending)

Section D: Word Problems

1. Sona has 3 stickers. Ben has 9. Tia has 6. Arrange in ascending order.
2. A tree is 14 cm tall. A flower is 8 cm. A bush is 11 cm. Arrange in descending order.
3. Three jars hold 15 sweets, 7 sweets, and 12 sweets. Arrange in ascending order.

Worksheet Answers

Section A — Ascending Order Answers

1. 2, 5, 7 ✅
2. 3, 6, 10, 14 ✅
3. 9, 13, 18 ✅
4. 4, 8, 12, 16 ✅
5. 5, 7, 11, 20 ✅
6. 3, 9, 14, 17 ✅
7. 2, 8, 10, 16 ✅

Section B — Descending Order Answers

1. 9, 6, 4 ✅
2. 20, 16, 11, 8 ✅
3. 15, 12, 7 ✅
4. 18, 14, 10, 6 ✅
5. 19, 13, 9, 3 ✅
6. 20, 12, 8, 5 ✅
7. 17, 11, 9, 4 ✅

Section C — Missing Number Answers

1. 6 ✅
2. 12 ✅
3. 15 ✅
4. 10 ✅
5. 6 ✅
6. 16 ✅
7. 12 ✅

Section D — Word Problem Answers

7, 12, 15 ✅

3, 6, 9 ✅

14, 11, 8 ✅

Common Mistakes in Ascending and Descending Order Examples

Mistake	What It Looks Like	How to Fix It
Starting with the wrong number	Starts ascending with 5 instead of the smallest	Ask: “Which number is the smallest?” before writing anything
Mixing the direction	Writes 1, 5, 3, 8	Check every pair from left to right before finishing
Confusing ascending and descending	Calls 9, 6, 3 ascending	Ask: “Are the numbers going up or down?”
Missing one number from the set	Orders 2, 5, 9 but leaves out 7	Cross out each number after placing it
Guessing the missing number	Fills the blank without checking the gap	Compare the numbers on both sides and measure the gap

Best single habit: State the direction out loud first, then place the numbers, then check every consecutive pair.

Download the Worksheet as a Free PDF

Prefer a printable, ready-to-use copy? Download the free ascending and descending order worksheet for Class 1 as a PDF.

Conclusion

Worked examples at graduated difficulty levels, step-by-step solutions, missing number challenges, real-life contexts, and now a free worksheet with answers all turn a familiar concept into a skill Class 1 students can apply independently.

Whether you found this page searching for ascending-order examples, descending-order questions for Class 1, or a printable worksheet, the same five levels above will take a child from single-digit ordering to real-life word problems. Work through each level until it feels effortless, then move on to the next. Return to earlier levels whenever needed; fluency at the previous level is always the right foundation first.

For the complete conceptual framework behind these examples, including definitions, symbols, and the full teaching method, see ascending and descending order in Maths Class 1.

For the step-by-step rules each example applies, see rules for ordering numbers Class 1. And for more on how the two ideas relate, see our difference between ascending and descending order guide.

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