# LT (<)
URL: https://docs.valsight.ai/lt/
Description: Checking whether one input is less than another
**Category:** [Logical functions](/logical-functions/)

## Overview

The **LT** function checks whether **the matching row on the first input is less than the matching row in the second input**; true (1) is returned, false (0) otherwise. Undefined values are treated as false (0).

Use this function when you need a 1/0 flag to mark where one input is less than another.

## Syntax

`LT('Node1', 'Node2')`

`'Node1' < 'Node2'`

## Parameters

| Parameter | Description                                                                         | Type           | Required |
| --------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------- | -------- |
| **Node1** | First input node, specified using the node name in single quotes (e.g. `'Profit'`). | Node reference | Yes      |
| **Node2** | Second input node.                                                                  | Node reference | Yes      |

## Example

### Checking whether one input is less than another

This example compares two input nodes row by row. The result returns 1 where the first input is less than the second and 0 otherwise.

**Input node:** `'A'`

| Year | Value |
| ---- | ----- |
| 2025 | 400   |
| 2026 | 700   |
| 2027 | 850   |
| 2028 | 500   |

**Input node:** `'B'`

| Year | Value |
| ---- | ----- |
| 2025 | 350   |
| 2026 | 400   |
| 2027 | 850   |
| 2028 | 600   |

**Formula:** `LT('A', 'B')`

| Year | LT Result |
| ---- | --------- |
| 2025 | 0         |
| 2026 | 0         |
| 2027 | 0         |
| 2028 | 1         |

## Related Functions

| Function          | When to use instead                                                                                                |
| ----------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| [LTE (<=)](/lte/) | When equality should also count as a match instead of requiring the first input to be strictly less.               |
| [NEQ (!=)](/neq/) | When you want to check for any mismatch instead of specifically testing whether one input is smaller than another. |