enVision Mathematics Grade 5, Topic 12: Convert Measurements
In this unit, your child changes measurements from one unit to another within the same system: inches to feet, cups to quarts, grams to kilograms, and meters to centimeters. They decide whether to multiply or divide, and solve multi-step problems where a conversion is one step. After volume, it keeps the focus on measuring, and expressions come next.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Topic 12?
- Converting within one system, like 3 quarts to 12 cups or 2,500 grams to 2.5 kilograms, and using conversions in multi-step problems. Learn more: Converting feet to yards and grams to kilograms
Sample questions to try together
These are real questions from our practice. Tap the speaker to hear one read aloud, or the light bulb for a hint, and talk about the answer together.
Question 1 of 3
Nadia asks for 3/4 pound of sliced turkey at the deli. How many ounces of turkey is that?
- 4 ounces
- 9 ounces
- 12 ounces
How you can help
- Read package labels at the store, like a 2-pound bag or a 1.5-liter bottle. Ask your child to convert them to ounces and milliliters, 32 ounces and 1,500 milliliters.
- Measure your child's height in inches, then ask them to write it in feet and inches, like 56 inches as 4 feet 8 inches.
- Ask on a walk how many feet are in the 100 yards of a football field, 300, then how many inches, 3,600. Let your child decide whether to multiply or divide.
Where kids can get stuck
- Dividing when they should multiply, so 5 yards becomes 5 ÷ 3 feet instead of 15 feet.
- Treating feet and inches like decimals, writing 5 feet 6 inches as 5.6 feet instead of 5 1/2 feet.
- Forgetting to convert back at the end, answering 64 ounces when the question asked for pounds, which is 4.
Practice makes perfect
Bobby's Math Club has practice problems that adapt to your child’s level, each with a detailed explanation and an easy-to-follow video, so your child can build confidence in these skills one step at a time.
Words your child will hear
- convert
- To rewrite an amount using another unit of the same kind.
- customary system
- The measurement system used every day in the United States.
- metric system
- The measurement system where units change by powers of 10.
- ounce
- A small unit of weight; 16 ounces make 1 pound.
- pound
- A customary unit of weight equal to 16 ounces.
- quart
- A unit for liquids; 4 quarts make 1 gallon.
- kilogram
- A metric unit of mass equal to 1,000 grams.
- milliliter
- A small metric unit of liquid; 1,000 milliliters make 1 liter.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with converting measurements?
In Bobby's Math Club, your child practices these skills at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free.
Join the club
Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.
Which math standards does enVision Mathematics Grade 5 Topic 12 cover?
enVision Mathematics Grade 5 Topic 12 covers this math standard. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
- 5.MD.A.1: Convert between units, like feet and yards, to solve problems.
For teachers: Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence. Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow.