What Are Comparison Operators in Python?

In Python, comparison operators are used to compare values or expressions. These operators always return a Boolean result — either True or False. Comparing values is fundamental to conditional logic, loops, and decision making in programs.

List of Python Comparison Operators

OperatorMeaning
==Equal to
!=Not equal to
>Greater than
<Less than
>=Greater than or equal to
<=Less than or equal to

Comparison Examples (Input & Output Together)

Equal To (==)

Python 
print(5 == 5) print(5 == 3) # Output: # True # False

Not Equal To (!=)

Python 
print(7 != 5) print(7 != 7) # Output: # True # False

Greater Than (>)

Python 
print(10 > 5) print(3 > 8) # Output: # True # False

Less Than (<)

Python 
print(2 < 7) print(9 < 4) # Output: # True # False

Greater Than or Equal To (>=)

Python 
print(6 >= 6) print(3 >= 5) # Output: # True # False

Less Than or Equal To (<=)

Python 
print(4 <= 8) print(10 <= 7) # Output: # True # False

Using Comparison Operators with Variables

Comparison operators work on variables as well as literal values:

Python 
a = 10 b = 15 print(a < b) print(a == b) print(a >= 10) # Output: # True # False # True

Comparison Operators in Conditional Statements

Comparison results (True or False) often control program flow using conditions:

Python 
age = 18 if age >= 18: print("Eligible to vote") else: print("Not eligible") # Output: # Eligible to vote

In this example, the comparison age >= 18 evaluates to True, so the first block runs.

Important Notes

  • Comparison operators always return a Boolean value.

  • They work with numbers, strings, and other comparable types.

  • Strings are compared lexicographically (alphabetical/character order).

  • Be careful with spacing and syntax — missing or extra symbols can lead to errors.