2nd Grade · Measurement & Data
2.MD.A.1: Measure the length of an object by selecting and using appropriate tools
2.MD.A.1 is a 2nd grade Common Core math standard in Measurement & Data. Here’s what it really covers, and how you can help your students learn it.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
The standard
Measure the length of an object by selecting and using appropriate tools such as rulers, yardsticks, meter sticks, and measuring tapes.
In plain words
Measure the length of an object by selecting and using appropriate tools.
Sample questions from student practice
These questions from Bobby's Math Club are the kinds of questions your students will see. You can try answering them to see what a student might see.
Question 1 of 3
A door is measured using which tool?
- Ruler
- Measuring Tape
- Small paper clip
Where students can get stuck
- Lining up the object with the ruler's edge or the 1 instead of zero, so every measurement is off.
- Counting the tick marks instead of the spaces between them, getting one more than the real length.
- Choosing a tool that does not fit, such as measuring a room with a 12-inch ruler and losing count.
Effective teaching strategies
- Have students line up the 0 mark with one end of an object, and ask them to explain why reading the end mark after starting at the 1 would make every measurement one unit too long.
- Ask students to move a finger along the ruler and count the spaces between marks, saying one number as each space is crossed, instead of counting the marks.
- Hold up a pencil, a desk, and a classroom wall and ask students to choose among a ruler, a yardstick, a meter stick, and a measuring tape for each, and say why.
Units that teach this standard
Find where 2.MD.A.1 lands in the program you teach. Each unit has a guide written for families. Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence.
Bridges in Mathematics
enVision Mathematics
Eureka Math²
Everyday Mathematics
i-Ready Classroom Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics
Math Expressions
Don’t see your curriculum? Contact Bobby and we’ll see if we can help!
Share it with families
Families can read Measuring with a ruler, yardstick, or tape for a plain-language look at this skill, with three questions to try together and ideas for helping at home.
Help every student practice measurement and data at home
In Bobby's Math Club, students practice 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 for every family.
See how it works for teachers
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.