Understand the idea.
Read before counting
Before reading a measuring tool, find its unit and look at the numbered marks. Equal spaces represent equal steps in the measurement, but a step might mean one unit, ten units or something else.
For length, line up one end with the ruler’s zero mark, not just its plastic edge. If the start is not zero, subtract the start reading from the end reading to find the distance between the two ends.
Marks can mean different amounts
On the pictured jug, the labels increase by mL at each step. Follow the liquid level across to the scale. The number on that line names the amount of water.
Look straight across at the liquid level rather than from above or below. Include mL in the answer: counting three steps is not the same as measuring three millilitres.
See the method in action.
Ribbon length
Read the ribbon length.
Worked solution
- 1
Read the starting point.
The left end of the ribbon lines up with the zero mark.
- 2
Read the other end.
The right end lines up with the mark labelled 7.
- 3
Find the distance between the ends.
A ruler measures the gap from the start reading to the end reading.
7 cm.
A jug reading
How much water is in the jug?
Worked solution
- 1
Find the unit and step size.
Neighbouring labelled marks differ by 100 mL.
- 2
Trace across from the water surface.
The level meets the scale at the line labelled 300 mL.
- 3
Write the reading with its unit.
The scale already states the amount, so it is not just a count of three marks.
300 mL.
Try it yourself.
Check your understanding
A pointer reaches the line labelled 200 g. What is the mass?
Show answer & reasoning
200 g
The pointer meets the label , so the mass is . Keep the grams unit with the reading.
Keep practising
6 worksheet questions
Read the questions online
- Read the ribbon length.
- Read the jug level.
- A scale pointer is on the mark labelled 500 g. What is the mass?
- Ruler labels read cm. How much is each labelled step?
- A strip starts at 2 cm and ends at 8 cm on a ruler. How long is it?
- Leah counts three 100 mL steps above zero and answers 3. Correct her answer.
Read the worked solutions
- Read the ribbon length.
It begins at 0 and ends at 6 cm.
6 cm - Read the jug level.
The water reaches the labelled 200 mL line.
200 mL - A scale pointer is on the mark labelled 500 g. What is the mass?
Read the labelled value.
500 g - Ruler labels read cm. How much is each labelled step?
Each number increases by 2.
2 cm - A strip starts at 2 cm and ends at 8 cm on a ruler. How long is it?
cm.
6 cm - Leah counts three 100 mL steps above zero and answers 3. Correct her answer.
mL.
300 mL
Curriculum reference & lesson scope
Australian Curriculum v9 and SA Curriculum
Length/mass/capacity units; estimation; reading labelled measuring instruments.
Official curriculum source ↗