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⏰ 2nd grade math · Measure, Time & Money

Measure with a ruler

Line up the left end of the object with 0. The number at the right end is the length. Inches and centimeters are both on rulers. Write the unit with your answer.

Worked example

How long is the bar? Read the ruler.
0123456inches
Answer: 4 inches
Line up the left end of the bar with the 0. The right end is at 4, so the bar is 4 inches long. Answer: 4 inches.

For grown-ups: Measure with ruler and meter stick (in, ft, cm, m); estimate; unit size matters. Below: three problems to try with the worked answers, and a free printable sheet. Children can practise the same skill as a game, with no sign-up and no ads.

  • CCSS 2.MD.A.1–4
What this practises, for teachers

Practices measure with ruler and meter stick (in, ft, cm, m); estimate; unit size matters (2.MD.A.1–4). A printable sheet with its answer key, worked answers on the page, no accounts.

▶ Practise it

For your class

🖨️ Printable sheet and key

Try three

  1. How long is the bar? Read the ruler.
    012345678910inches
    Show the answer and how
    Answer: 7 inches
    Line up the left end of the bar with the 0. The right end is at 7, so the bar is 7 inches long. Answer: 7 inches.
  2. How long is the bar? Read the ruler.
    01234567inches
    Show the answer and how
    Answer: 6 inches
    Line up the left end of the bar with the 0. The right end is at 6, so the bar is 6 inches long. Answer: 6 inches.
  3. How long is the bar? Read the ruler.
    012345678910111213141516171819cm
    Show the answer and how
    Answer: 10 centimeters
    Line up the left end of the bar with the 0. The right end is at 10, so the bar is 10 centimeters long. Answer: 10 centimeters.

Before and after

Learn first: Measure with blocks (1st)

Comes next: Add and subtract lengths (2nd)

Name: ____________________Date: ____________Score: ____ / 12

Measure with a ruler (2nd grade)

  1. How long is the bar? Read the ruler.
    012345678910inches
  2. How long is the bar? Read the ruler.
    012345678910inches
  3. How long is the bar? Read the ruler.
    0123456789inches
  4. How long is the bar? Read the ruler.
    0123456789inches
  5. How long is the bar? Read the ruler.
    01234567891011inches
  6. How long is the bar? Read the ruler.
    01234567891011inches
  7. How long is the bar? Read the ruler.
    0123456inches
  8. How long is the bar? Read the ruler.
    01234567891011121314cm
  9. How long is the bar? Read the ruler.
    01234567891011121314151617181920cm
  10. How long is the bar? Read the ruler.
    012345678910111213cm
  11. How long is the bar? Read the ruler.
    012345678910cm
  12. How long is the bar? Read the ruler.
    012345678910111213141516171819cm

Answer key

  1. 7 inches
  2. 8 inches
  3. 4 inches
  4. 5 inches
  5. 6 inches
  6. 6 inches
  7. 3 inches
  8. 4 centimeters
  9. 4 centimeters
  10. 5 centimeters
  11. 4 centimeters
  12. 14 centimeters

More 2nd grade skills: all 2nd grade math skills, or every grade at math skills.