Measuring Length for Kids: How to Use a Ruler in Centimeters (Grade 1 and Grade 2 Math)

Hi, I'm Luna from DoodleBeez. Today we are learning how to measure length with a ruler. We will measure in centimeters.

This is a ruler. The numbers are centimeters. Zero is at the start, and every number is one centimeter further along. The space from zero to one is one centimeter.

Rule one: line up the end of the object with zero. Here is a crayon. Put its end right on the zero. Rule two: read the number where the other end stops. The crayon ends at seven. So the crayon is seven centimeters long.

Here is the most common mistake. If the crayon starts at one instead of zero, it looks like it ends at eight, but it is not eight centimeters long. Always start at zero.

If the object does not start at zero, you can still measure it. Count the centimeters between the two ends. From two to six is four centimeters. Or take away: six minus two is four.

Now it's your turn. How long is this pencil? Pause and look. It starts at zero and ends at five. The pencil is five centimeters long.

Great job! Remember, line up the end with zero, read the number where it ends, and if it does not start at zero, count the centimeters in between. Practice measuring in the Math Lab at doodlebeez.com. See you next time!