# smaller() Function & Examples

Use the smaller() relational function in Calcul.io. Review its syntax, edit working examples, understand the result, and explore related math functions.

## smaller

#### x < y

#### smaller(x, y)

Try it yourself:

```calculio
2 < 3
5 < 2*2
a = 3.3
b = 6-2.8
(a < b)
5 cm < 2 inch
```

[equal](https://calcul.io/function/equal/index.md)

[unequal](https://calcul.io/function/unequal/index.md)

[larger](https://calcul.io/function/larger/index.md)

[compare](https://calcul.io/function/compare/index.md)

---

## smaller(): Strict Less-Than Test

**smaller()** returns true when its first value is strictly less than the second. It supports thresholds, range checks, and validation rules.

## Strict boundary logic

smaller(5, 5) is false; use [smallerEq()](https://calcul.io/function/smallerEq/index.md) for an inclusive boundary. Combine comparisons with [and()](https://calcul.io/function/and/index.md) for an interval and [larger()](https://calcul.io/function/larger/index.md) for the opposite test.

Decimal results near a boundary can be affected by precision. Use [abs()](https://calcul.io/function/abs/index.md) and a tolerance rather than comparing rounded display values.

[All functions](https://calcul.io/functions/index.md)