How it works
Line the end of the object up with zero.
Read the number where the object ends.
If it doesn't start at zero, count the spaces from where it starts.
Worked examples
From zero
- A pencil starts at 0 and ends at the 10 on a centimeter ruler.
- Read the number at its other end.
- The pencil is 10 cm long.
Not from zero
- A crayon starts at 3 and ends at 9 on an inch ruler.
- Count the spaces from 3 to 9: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. Or take away: 9 − 3 = 6.
- The crayon is 6 in long.
A meter stick
- A ribbon starts at 0 and ends at 85 on a meter stick, which is marked in centimeters.
- Read the number where the ribbon ends.
- The ribbon is 85 cm long.
A taste of the worksheet
These are the first problems of set A. The printable sheet has many more, with an answer key.
- How long is the pencil, in centimeters? ___
- How long is the crayon, in inches? ___
- Measure the other pencil. How many centimeters long is it? ___
- Which pencil is 5 cm long?
- The crayon is 6 inches long.