In the Song Dynasty, states were larger administrative divisions than counties. The Song Dynasty, which spanned from 960 to 1279 AD, established a complex administrative system that included states (zhou) and counties (xian). States were typically larger, encompassing multiple counties, while counties were the smallest administrative units, each with its own administrative center.

The size of a state varied greatly depending on its location and the needs of the government. In general, states were larger in areas with more extensive territories and resources. For instance, the state of Shandong, which included the capital Kaifeng during the Northern Song Dynasty, was quite large and encompassed several counties. In contrast, smaller states in less populated or less strategically important regions were smaller in size.

Counties, on the other hand, were more uniform in size and were generally responsible for local governance, taxation, and military conscription. The number of counties within a state varied, but each county typically had a population of several thousand to tens of thousands of people. The county level was the most immediate level of government that the average citizen interacted with, and it played a crucial role in implementing central government policies.

Historical records and administrative documents from the Song Dynasty provide evidence of this hierarchy. For example, the "Tongdian" (General History of the Song), a comprehensive historical work compiled during the Yuan Dynasty, details the administrative divisions of the Song Dynasty. It notes that states were often composed of several counties, each with its own county magistrate (xianfu). This structure allowed for a more efficient administration of the empire.

In conclusion, states were larger administrative divisions than counties in the Song Dynasty. This hierarchy was essential for the effective governance of the empire, allowing for the coordination of local and regional affairs while maintaining central control.