2nd Grade · Measurement & Data
2.MD.A.4: Measure to determine how much longer one object is than another
2.MD.A.4 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 to determine how much longer one object is than another, expressing the length difference in terms of a standard length unit.
In plain words
Measure to determine how much longer one object is than another.
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
John jumped 3 feet. Mia jumped 5 feet. How much shorter was John's jump?
- 2 feet
- 8 feet
- 1 foot
Where students can get stuck
- Adding the lengths instead of subtracting, answering 12 inches for how much longer a 7-inch pencil is than a 5-inch marker.
- Measuring one object in inches and the other in centimeters, then subtracting as if the units matched.
- Giving the longer object's length, 7 inches, instead of how much longer it is than the shorter one.
Effective teaching strategies
- Have students line up two objects side by side on the same starting line, mark where the shorter one ends, and measure only the extra length.
- Draw both lengths as bars, one above the other, and ask students to shade the extra part and write the subtraction, such as 9 - 6 = 3.
- Ask “how much longer?” and have students answer in a full sentence with a unit, such as the ribbon being 3 inches longer than the pencil.
Units that teach this standard
Find where 2.MD.A.4 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 how much longer one thing is 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.