Measure length with the right tool
Measuring well is a practical skill your child will use for the rest of their life, in school projects, crafts, and building. Reading a ruler correctly means starting at zero and counting units rather than lines. Knowing which tool fits the job also builds a feel for how big an inch, a foot, and a meter are. In 3rd grade, children measure to the nearest half inch and quarter inch.
In this video, your child will learn to measure how long things are with tools.
The lesson stops at each question for your child's answer.
Three problems, each a little harder
Each problem is worked step by step. Your child will solve the last one before Bobby shows how.
Example 1
How many inches long is the pencil?
Example 2
How many centimeters long is the crayon?
Your child's turn
How many centimeters long is the straw?
The three key steps
- 1Pick a tool that fits.
- 2Start at 0. Read the end.
- 3Not at 0? Subtract the start.
Mistakes to listen for
- 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.
The lesson shows every step, so your child sees why it works. Read our parent's guide to measuring with a ruler, yardstick, or tape →
Is your child ready to practice what they've learned?
Bobby's Math Club offers unlimited practice for free.
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More 2nd grade Measurement & Data, with questions your child answers along the way.
Questions parents ask
Does my child need an account to watch?
No. You can watch this on any device at any time. If your child would like to practice measuring with a ruler, yardstick, or tape, and you'd like parent-friendly reports on your child's progress and growth, you can join Bobby's Math Club for unlimited free practice.
What happens when my child answers a question?
A right answer gets a cheer, and the lesson carries on. If your child isn't sure, they can tap "I don't know yet", and Bobby gives the answer and shows another example. Nothing is scored or stored.
Is this the same lesson that's on YouTube?
Yes. Here, the lesson stops at each question and waits for your child to answer. On YouTube, each question stays on screen for a few seconds, and then the lesson plays on.
Where can I learn more?
There's a short, kid-friendly lesson like this one for every Pre-K to 5th grade math skill, all in our video library. Our parent's guide to measuring with a ruler, yardstick, or tape has more on where kids get stuck and how you can help at home. In the club, your child practices at just the right level, about five minutes a day, and you get parent-friendly reports as they grow. Learn more about how it works →
Practice measuring with a ruler, yardstick, or tape
Questions at your child's level, about five minutes a day, on measuring with a ruler, yardstick, or tape and whatever PK-5 skills they need to develop. Unlimited practice, free forever.
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