How to Compare Numbers in Bash

1. Use Square Braces [] to Compare Numbers in Bash
2. Use Double Parenthesis (( )) to Compare Numbers in Bash

This tutorial will compare numbers in bash using square braces [] and double parenthesis - (( )).

Use Square Braces [] to Compare Numbers in Bash

The comparison operators must be used within the square braces.

x=4
y=3

if [ $x -eq $y ];
then
    echo $x and $y are equal
elif [ $x -gt $y ]
then
    echo  $x is greater than $y
else
    echo  $x is less than $y
fi

Output:

4 is greater than 3

Use Double Parenthesis (( )) to Compare Numbers in Bash

The comparison operators must be used within the double parenthesis.

x=4
y=10

if (( $x < $y ))
then
    echo $x is less than $y
elif (( $x > $y ))
then
    echo $x is greater than $y
else
    echo $x is equal to $y
fi

Output:

4 is less than 10