servicenow

[ChandrikaG28992]

Why does ServiceNow show “less than” and “greater than” for fields like Short Description?

[Tanushree Maiti]

Hi @ChandrikaG28992 '

ServiceNow uses operators like “less than” and “greater than” for text fields such as Short Description because string values are evaluated alphabetically.

This enables filtering, sorting, and reporting based on text ranges.

For instance, using less than C will return records whose values begin with A or B. These operators are commonly used to create range-based filters in lists and reports.

[meghanakra]

“less than” and “greater than” can appear even for text fields such as Short Description because the platform treats string values alphabetically (lexicographically), not numerically.

Lexicographically means comparing text based on dictionary/alphabetical order — character by character from left to right.

For example, when filtering a Short Description field:

• Greater than "M"
  returns records where the short description starts alphabetically after M
  Examples:
  • “Network issue”
  • “Printer failure”
  • “VPN access”
• Less than "M"
  returns records alphabetically before M
  Examples:
  • “Access request”
  • “Email problem”

[yashkamde]

Hello @ChandrikaG28992 , 

Refer this for detailed understanding :

"Greater than or is", "less than or is", and "between" compare operators for strings 

If my response helped mark as helpful and accept the solution.

[Ankur Bawiskar]

@ChandrikaG28992 

it does work like this

ServiceNow "Greater than or is", "Less than or is", and "Between" String compare operators 

💡 If my response helped, please mark it as correct ✅ and close the thread 🔒— this helps future readers find the solution faster! 🙏