How do we measure objects?

Length is how long or tall something is. It is usually measured in centimetres (cm) and metres (m).

If you draw a line on a piece of paper, you could measure that line with a ruler. If you take a look at a ruler you will see it measures in centimetres (cm).

If you wanted to measure your kitchen table, you wouldn’t use a ruler. It would be much easier to use a tape measure. If you look at a tape measure you will see it measures in centimetres (cm) and metres (m). 

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Smaller objects are normally measured in cm.

Larger objects are normally measured in m.

Your kitchen table is bigger or greater than the line on the paper.

 

Example 1:

Which of these measurements is the longest?
3 cm,  9 cm,  20 cm,  14 cm
Answer: 20 cm

 

Example 2:

Which of these measurements is the shortest?
13 m,  24 m,  5 m,  8 m
Answer: 5 m