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Primary Maths · Year 2Chapter 5 · Length, mass, capacity and temperature
Year 2 · Chapter 5

Length, mass, capacity and temperature

By the end of this chapter you will be able to

  • Choose the right unit for a length, a mass or an amount of liquid
  • Read a ruler in centimetres, including a line that does not start at 0
  • Know that 1 m is 100 cm, 1 kg is 1000 g and 1 litre is 1000 ml
  • Read a kitchen scale, a thermometer and a measuring jug
  • Compare and order lengths, masses and amounts of liquid
  • Record a comparison with the signs <, > and =

You should already know

  • Comparing lengths, heights, mass and capacity with words (Year 1, Chapters 7 and 8)
  • Counting in 10s and 100s (Chapter 1)
  • Adding and subtracting (Chapter 2)

Where this leads

  • Money: pounds and pence (Chapter 6)
  • Measures in Year 3: millimetres and perimeter

National Curriculum for England, Key Stage 1 mathematics, Year 2. Content: Choose and use standard units: centimetres and metres, grams and kilograms, degrees Celsius, millilitres and litres, Measure length, mass, temperature and capacity to the nearest whole unit with rulers, scales, thermometers and jugs, Compare and order lengths, masses and amounts of liquid, and record with the signs <, > and =.

Exercise P  Do you remember?

Non-calculator
1
FWrite the number that is one more than 39.
36373839?4142
2
FHow many is 4 groups of 2?
3
FWhat is one quarter of 12?
4
FWhat is 10 more than 34?
5
FCount in 5s. What number is missing? 5, 10, 15, __
010?
5.1

Centimetres and metres

Year 2
Choose and use cm and m to estimate and measure length
Video lesson: Centimetres and metresComing soon
A playground. Ben and Amira are measuring things.

We measure length to find how long something is.

A centimetre is a short unit. We write it as cm. Use cm for a pencil.

A metre is a longer unit. We write it as m. Use m for a door or a bus.

There are 100 cm in 1 m.

1 m50 cm50 cm
One metre is the same length as two pieces of 50 cm.
Think about the sizefirst!
Ollie the owl helps us choose a unit.

Key ideas

  • A centimetre (cm) is a short unit. Use it for small things.
  • A metre (m) is a longer unit. Use it for big things.
  • 1 m = 100 cm.
  • Think about the size of the thing before you choose the unit.
Worked example 5.1.1
Which unit would you use to measure a pencil? Write cm or m.

Method. Think about the size of the thing before you choose the unit.

  1. Think about how big it is. A pencil is short. It is only a few centimetres long.
    a pencil
  2. Choose the unit that fits. cm is the right size for a pencil.
    cm
  3. Write the answer.
    cm

Check. Would another unit feel right? No. ✓

Watch out. Small things use small units. Big things use big units.

Worked example 5.1.2
How many centimetres are in 2 metres?
1 m1 m

Method. Each m is 100 cm. Multiply.

  1. Know the rule. 1 m is the same as 100 cm.
    1 m = 100 cm
  2. Multiply. Multiply the number of m by 100.
    2 × 100 = 200
  3. Write the answer.
    200

Check. Share it back: 200 cm is 2 lots of 100 cm. ✓

Watch out. Multiply when you change to a smaller unit. There are 100 cm in 1 m.

Worked example 5.1.3
Which is longer: A or B? Write A or B. A is 1 m. B is 90 cm.
A1 mB90 cm

Method. Change to the same unit, then pick the biggest amount.

  1. Look at A. A is 1 m.
    A: 100 cm
  2. Look at B. B is 90 cm.
    B: 90 cm
  3. Pick the one with the biggest amount. Once the units match, the numbers can be compared.
    A wins
  4. Write the answer.
    A

Check. Compare the other amounts too. ✓

Watch out. Read the units first. 2 m is longer than 150 cm, because 2 m = 200 cm.

Watch out

Watch out: a metre is longer than a centimetre.

Do not measure a bus in cm. Use m.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Ask: “Would you use a big or a small unit for this?” Find one thing in the house to measure in cm, and one to measure in m.

Exercise 5A  Choosing cm and m

Non-calculator
1
FWhich unit would you use to measure a pencil? Write cm or m.
2
FWhich unit would you use to measure a door? Write cm or m.
3
FWhich unit would you use to measure a worm? Write cm or m.
4
FFill the gap: 1 m = ? cm.
1 m50 cm50 cm
5
FHow many centimetres are in 3 metres?
1 m1 m1 m
6
FA rope is 4 metres long. How many centimetres long is the rope?
1 m1 m1 m1 m
7
FWhich is longer: A or B? Write A or B. A is 3 m long. B is 250 cm long.
A1 m1 m1 mB100 cm100 cm50 cm
8
FWrite 150 cm as metres and centimetres.
1 m50 cm
9
PSRuby needs 60 cm of rope. Her rope is 1 m long. Has she got enough? Write Yes or No. A is her rope. B is 60 cm.
A1 mB60 cm
10
RBen says his pencil is 2 metres long. Is he right? Write Yes or No.
11
PSSam has a 2 m rope. He cuts 50 cm off. How many centimetres of rope are left? A is the rope. B is the piece cut off.
A1 m1 mB50 cm
5.2

Measuring with a ruler

Year 2
Measure length with a ruler and read it to the nearest centimetre
Video lesson: Measuring with a rulerComing soon
A school. Lin measures her pencil with a ruler.

A ruler helps us measure length in centimetres.

Put the 0 at the start of the thing. Read the number at the other end.

Each number is one centimetre further along the ruler.

012345678910cm
The pencil starts at 0 and ends at 7. It is 7 cm long.
?Start at 0. Read theend!
Ollie the owl helps us line up the ruler.

Key ideas

  • Line up the 0 mark with the start of the thing.
  • Read the number at the other end.
  • Each number is 1 cm further along.
  • Write the answer with cm.
Worked example 5.2.1
How long is the crayon? Write the number of cm.
012345678910cm

Method. Line up the start with the 0 mark or count from the start. Read the number at the other end.

  1. Line up the 0 with the start. Put the 0 mark at the end of the thing.
    start at 0
  2. Read the number at the other end. The other end is at 6 cm.
    end at 6 cm
  3. Write the answer.
    6

Check. Count along the ruler from the start to the end: 6 centimetres. ✓

Watch out. Start at 0 is easiest. If the start is not 0, take the start away from the end.

Worked example 5.2.2
The line starts at 2 cm and ends at 9 cm. How long is the line?
0123456789101112cm

Method. Line up the start with the 0 mark or count from the start. Read the number at the other end.

  1. Find the start. The line starts at 2 cm.
    start at 2 cm
  2. Find the end. The line ends at 9 cm.
    end at 9 cm
  3. Count the length. Take the start away from the end.
    9 − 2 = 7
  4. Write the answer.
    7

Check. Count along the ruler from the start to the end: 7 centimetres. ✓

Watch out. Start at 0 is easiest. If the start is not 0, take the start away from the end.

Worked example 5.2.3
Stick A is 8 cm long. Stick B is 5 cm long. How much longer is A than B?
AB012345678910cm

Method. Find the difference by taking the smaller amount away from the bigger one.

  1. Find the bigger amount. The bigger stick is 8 cm.
    8 cm
  2. Find the smaller amount. The smaller stick is 5 cm.
    5 cm
  3. Take the smaller amount away. Subtract to find the difference.
    8 − 5 = 3
  4. Write the answer.
    3

Check. Add the difference back: 5 + 3 = 8. ✓

Watch out. Start with the bigger number, then take the smaller one away.

Watch out

Watch out: if the thing does not start at 0, do not read the end number alone.

Take the start away from the end.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Lay a ruler along a book or a shoe. Ask: “Where does it start? Where does it end? How many centimetres is that?”

Exercise 5B  Measuring with a ruler

Non-calculator
1
FHow long is the rubber? Write the number of cm.
012345678910cm
2
FHow long is the paint brush? Write the number of cm.
0123456789101112131415cm
3
FHow long is the stick? Write the number of cm.
0123456789101112cm
4
FMeasure the rope. Write the length in cm.
0123456789101112131415cm
5
PSThe line starts at 3 cm and ends at 8 cm. How long is the line?
012345678910cm
6
FWhich is longer: A or B? Write A or B.
AB0123456789101112cm
7
FHow much longer is A than B? Write the number of cm.
AB012345678910cm
8
FPut the sticks in order, shortest first. Write the letters, for example A, B, C.
ABC0123456789101112cm
9
RRuby says the stick is 6 cm long. Is Ruby right? Write Yes or No.
012345678cm
10
PSAli’s line is 14 cm long. He colours 6 cm of it red. How many centimetres are not red?
AB0123456789101112131415cm
11
RAli measures a stick from 1 cm to 7 cm. He says the stick is 7 cm long. Is he right? Write Yes or No.
012345678cm
5.3

Kilograms and grams

Year 2
Choose and use g and kg to estimate and measure mass, Read a scale to the nearest whole unit
Video lesson: Kilograms and gramsComing soon
A shop. The shopkeeper weighs a bag of rice.

Mass tells us how heavy something is.

A gram is a small unit. We write it as g. Use g for an apple.

A kilogram is a bigger unit. We write it as kg. Use kg for a bag of rice.

There are 1000 g in 1 kg.

A1 kgB500 g500 g
Row A is 1 kg. Row B is two 500 g packs. They weigh the same.
Heavy things use kg!
Ollie the owl helps us choose a unit.

Key ideas

  • A gram (g) is a small unit. Use it for light things.
  • A kilogram (kg) is a bigger unit. Use it for heavy things.
  • 1 kg = 1000 g.
  • A balance shows when two things weigh the same.
Worked example 5.3.1
Which unit would you use for a bag of rice? Write g or kg.

Method. Think about the size of the thing before you choose the unit.

  1. Think about how big it is. A bag of rice is heavy. Use the bigger unit.
    a bag of rice
  2. Choose the unit that fits. kg is the right size for a bag of rice.
    kg
  3. Write the answer.
    kg

Check. Would another unit feel right? No. ✓

Watch out. Small things use small units. Big things use big units.

Worked example 5.3.2
The bag balances these weights. How many grams does the bag weigh?
500 g200 g100 g

Method. The object weighs the same as the weights. Add the weights together.

  1. Look at the weights on the right. The weights balance the object on the left.
    500 g + 200 g + 100 g
  2. Change any kilograms to grams. 1 kg = 1000 g.
    500 + 200 + 100 = 800
  3. Write the answer. The object weighs the same as the weights.
    800

Check. Add the weights again in a different order: 100 + 200 + 500 = 800. ✓

Watch out. Change kilograms to grams before you add. 1 kg = 1000 g.

Worked example 5.3.3
Which is heavier: A or B? Write A or B. A is 1 kg. B is 900 g.
A1 kgB900 g

Method. Change to the same unit, then pick the biggest amount.

  1. Look at A. A is 1 kg.
    A: 1000 g
  2. Look at B. B is 900 g.
    B: 900 g
  3. Pick the one with the biggest amount. Once the units match, the numbers can be compared.
    A wins
  4. Write the answer.
    A

Check. Compare the other amounts too. ✓

Watch out. Read the units first. 2 m is longer than 150 cm, because 2 m = 200 cm.

Watch out

Watch out: a kilogram is heavier than a gram.

Change to the same unit before you compare.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Use a kitchen scale and a bag of flour. Ask: “Is this a gram or a kilogram?”

Exercise 5C  Kilograms and grams

Non-calculator
1
FWhich unit would you use to weigh an apple? Write g or kg.
2
FWhich unit would you use to weigh a bag of rice? Write g or kg.
3
FHow many grams are in 2 kilograms?
1 kg1 kg
4
FThe book balances these weights. How many grams does the book weigh?
500 g300 g
5
FWhat does the scale show? Write the number of kilograms.
012345kg
6
FWhat does the scale show? Write the number of kilograms.
012345kg
7
FWhich is heavier: A or B? Write A or B. A is 2 kg. B is 1500 g.
A2 kgB1500 g
8
FPut these in order, lightest first. Write the letters. A is 2 kg. B is 500 g. C is 1 kg.
A2 kgB500 gC1 kg
9
PSA 1 kg bag has 300 g of apples taken out. How many grams are left in the bag? A is the bag. B is the apples taken out.
A1 kgB300 g
10
RTom says 1 kg is lighter than 1000 g. Is he right? Write Yes or No.
A1 kgB1000 g
11
PSMia buys 2 kg of potatoes and 500 g of carrots. How many grams is that altogether? A is the potatoes. B is the carrots.
A1 kg1 kgB500 g
5.4

Degrees Celsius

Year 2
Read a thermometer in degrees Celsius, Compare and order temperatures
Video lesson: Degrees CelsiusComing soon
A park on a warm day. Ruby looks at the thermometer.

A thermometer shows how hot or cold something is.

We measure temperature in degrees Celsius. We write it as °C.

Read the number at the top of the red line.

A higher number is hotter. A lower number is colder.

°C010203040
The red line is at 18 degrees Celsius.
Read the top of thered line!
Ollie the owl shows how to read it.

Key ideas

  • A thermometer shows temperature.
  • Temperature is measured in °C.
  • A higher number is hotter. A lower number is colder.
  • Read the top of the red line.
Worked example 5.4.1
What temperature does the thermometer show? Write the number of °C.
°C010203040

Method. Find the top of the red line. Count up from the nearest numbered mark.

  1. Find the top of the red liquid. The red line stops at this mark.
    top of the red line
  2. Count from the nearest number. Each small mark is one degree.
    10 + 8 = 18
  3. Write the answer.
    18

Check. Count the small marks from 10 up to the red line: 8. ✓

Watch out. Read the top of the red liquid, not the bottom of the bulb.

Worked example 5.4.2
Which is hotter: A or B? Write A or B.
°C010203040A°C010203040B

Method. Change to the same unit, then pick the biggest amount.

  1. Look at A. A is 25 °C.
    A: 25 °C
  2. Look at B. B is 19 °C.
    B: 19 °C
  3. Pick the one with the biggest amount. Once the units match, the numbers can be compared.
    A wins
  4. Write the answer.
    A

Check. Compare the other amounts too. ✓

Watch out. Read the units first. 2 m is longer than 150 cm, because 2 m = 200 cm.

Worked example 5.4.3
The temperature goes from 12 °C to 20 °C. How many degrees warmer is it?
°C010203040Morning°C010203040Afternoon

Method. Find the difference by taking the smaller amount away from the bigger one.

  1. Find the bigger amount. The bigger temperature is 20 °C.
    20 °C
  2. Find the smaller amount. The smaller temperature is 12 °C.
    12 °C
  3. Take the smaller amount away. Subtract to find the difference.
    20 − 12 = 8
  4. Write the answer.
    8

Check. Add the difference back: 12 + 8 = 20. ✓

Watch out. Start with the bigger number, then take the smaller one away.

Watch out

Watch out: read the red line, not the bottom of the bulb.

Each small mark is one degree.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Put a thermometer in a glass of warm water. Ask: “Is it hotter or colder than the room?”

Exercise 5D  Reading and comparing temperatures

Non-calculator
1
FWhat temperature is shown? Write the number of °C.
°C010203040
2
FWhat temperature is shown? Write the number of °C.
°C010203040
3
FWhat temperature is shown? Write the number of °C.
°C010203040
4
FWhich is hotter: A or B? Write A or B.
°C010203040A°C010203040B
5
FWhich is colder: A or B? Write A or B.
°C010203040A°C010203040B
6
FPut these in order, coldest first. Write the letters. A is 10 °C. B is 35 °C. C is 20 °C.
°C010203040A°C010203040B°C010203040C
7
PSThe temperature rises from 12 °C to 19 °C. How many degrees does it rise?
°C010203040Start°C010203040End
8
PSAli’s room is 15 °C. Ruby’s room is 9 °C. How many degrees warmer is Ali’s room? A is Ali’s room. B is Ruby’s room.
°C010203040A°C010203040B
9
RMo says 30 °C is a cold day. Is he right? Write Yes or No.
°C010203040
10
PSWhich thermometer shows 25 °C? Write A, B or C.
°C010203040A°C010203040B°C010203040C
11
PSThe water is 15 °C. It warms up by 5 °C. What is the new temperature? Write the number of °C.
°C010203040Before°C010203040After
5.5

Litres and millilitres

Year 2
Choose and use ml and l to estimate and measure capacity, Read a measuring jug
Video lesson: Litres and millilitresComing soon
A kitchen. Sam pours water into a jug.

Capacity tells us how much a container can hold.

A millilitre is a small amount. We write it as ml. Use ml for a glass of milk.

A litre is a bigger amount. We write it as l. Use l for a big bottle of water.

There are 1000 ml in 1 litre.

02004006008001000ml
A full jug. It holds 1 litre, which is 1000 ml.
Small amounts in ml!
Ollie the owl helps us choose a unit.

Key ideas

  • ml means millilitres. Use it for small amounts.
  • l means litres. Use it for bigger amounts.
  • 1 litre = 1000 ml.
  • Read the number at the water line.
Worked example 5.5.1
How many millilitres are in 1 litre?
02004006008001000ml

Method. Each l is 1000 ml. Multiply.

  1. Know the rule. 1 l is the same as 1000 ml.
    1 l = 1000 ml
  2. Multiply. Multiply the number of l by 1000.
    1 × 1000 = 1000
  3. Write the answer.
    1000

Check. Share it back: 1000 ml is 1 lots of 1000 ml. ✓

Watch out. Multiply when you change to a smaller unit. There are 1000 ml in 1 l.

Worked example 5.5.2
The jug has 600 ml of water. How many more millilitres fill it to 1000 ml?
02004006008001000ml

Method. Find the difference by taking the smaller amount away from the bigger one.

  1. Find the bigger amount. The bigger amount is 1000 ml.
    1000 ml
  2. Find the smaller amount. The smaller amount is 600 ml.
    600 ml
  3. Take the smaller amount away. Subtract to find the difference.
    1000 − 600 = 400
  4. Write the answer.
    400

Check. Add the difference back: 600 + 400 = 1000. ✓

Watch out. Start with the bigger number, then take the smaller one away.

Worked example 5.5.3
A glass holds 200 ml. A bottle holds 1 litre. Which holds more: the glass or the bottle?
GlassBottle

Method. Change to the same unit, then pick the biggest amount.

  1. Look at glass. glass is 200 ml.
    glass: 200 ml
  2. Look at bottle. bottle is 1 l.
    bottle: 1000 ml
  3. Pick the one with the biggest amount. Once the units match, the numbers can be compared.
    bottle wins
  4. Write the answer.
    bottle

Check. Compare the other amounts too. ✓

Watch out. Read the units first. 2 m is longer than 150 cm, because 2 m = 200 cm.

Watch out

Watch out: 1 litre is more than 900 ml.

Change litres to millilitres before you compare.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Pour water from a 1 litre jug into a glass. Ask: “Is this a millilitre or a litre?”

Exercise 5E  Litres and millilitres

Non-calculator
1
FWhich unit would you use for a glass of milk? Write ml or l.
2
FWhich unit would you use for a big bottle of water? Write ml or l.
3
FHow much water is in the jug? Write the number of ml.
02004006008001000ml
4
FHow much water is in the jug? Write the number of ml.
02004006008001000ml
5
FHalf a litre is how many millilitres? Write the number of ml.
02004006008001000ml
6
FThe jug has 600 ml of water. Ali pours out 200 ml. How much water is left? Write the number of ml.
02004006008001000ml
7
FWhich jug holds more: A or B? Write A or B.
02004006008001000mlA02004006008001000mlB
8
FPut these in order, least first. Write the letters. A holds 800 ml. B holds 200 ml. C holds 500 ml.
02004006008001000mlA02004006008001000mlB02004006008001000mlC
9
PSRuby has 2 cups. Each cup holds 250 ml. How many millilitres do both cups hold?
250 ml250 ml
10
PSThe jug is full. It holds 1 litre. Sam drinks 350 ml. How many millilitres are left? Write the number of ml.
02004006008001000ml
11
RIs 1 litre more or less than 900 ml? Write more or less.
02004006008001000ml1 litre02004006008001000ml900 ml
5.6

Comparing and recording with <, > and =

Year 2
Compare lengths, masses and capacities, Record a comparison with <, > and =
Video lesson: Comparing and recording with <, > and =Coming soon
A bakery. Mei compares the loaves of bread.

We use signs to compare two amounts.

The sign < means less than. The sign > means more than.

The sign = means equal to. Both amounts are the same.

First change both amounts to the same unit. Then compare them.

A7 cmB9 cm
Row A is 7 cm. Row B is 9 cm. A is less than B.

Key ideas

  • < means less than. The small end points at the smaller amount.
  • > means more than. The open end faces the bigger amount.
  • = means equal to.
  • Change to the same unit before you compare.
Worked example 5.6.1
Fill the box with <, > or =: 7 cm ? 9 cm
7 cm9 cm

Method. Change both amounts to the same unit. Then compare the numbers.

  1. Write both amounts in the same unit. We compare them in cm.
    both in cm
  2. Compare the numbers. 7 cm is less than 9 cm.
    7 < 9
  3. Write the sign. The sign shows which amount is bigger, or that they are equal.
    <

Check. Say it in words: 7 cm is less than 9 cm. ✓

Watch out. Only compare amounts in the same unit. 1 m = 100 cm, 1 kg = 1000 g, 1 l = 1000 ml.

Worked example 5.6.2
Fill the box with <, > or =: 2 kg ? 1500 g
2 kg1500 g

Method. Change both amounts to the same unit. Then compare the numbers.

  1. Write both amounts in the same unit. We compare them in g.
    2 kg = 2000 g
  2. Compare the numbers. 2000 g is more than 1500 g.
    2000 > 1500
  3. Write the sign. The sign shows which amount is bigger, or that they are equal.
    >

Check. Say it in words: 2000 g is more than 1500 g. ✓

Watch out. Only compare amounts in the same unit. 1 m = 100 cm, 1 kg = 1000 g, 1 l = 1000 ml.

Worked example 5.6.3
Fill the box with <, > or =: 1 litre ? 1000 ml
1 litre1000 ml

Method. Change both amounts to the same unit. Then compare the numbers.

  1. Write both amounts in the same unit. We compare them in ml.
    1 l = 1000 ml
  2. Compare the numbers. 1000 ml is the same as 1000 ml.
    1000 = 1000
  3. Write the sign. The sign shows which amount is bigger, or that they are equal.
    =

Check. Say it in words: 1000 ml is the same as 1000 ml. ✓

Watch out. Only compare amounts in the same unit. 1 m = 100 cm, 1 kg = 1000 g, 1 l = 1000 ml.

Watch out

Watch out: 2 kg is not less than 1500 g. Change to grams first: 2 kg = 2000 g.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Use two cups of rice or two sticks. Ask: “Which is more? Which is less? Are they the same?”

Exercise 5F  Comparing and recording with <, > and =

Non-calculator
1
FFill the box with <, > or =: 6 cm ? 8 cm
6 cm8 cm
2
FFill the box with <, > or =: 12 cm ? 9 cm
12 cm9 cm
3
FFill the box with <, > or =: 1 m ? 100 cm
1 m100 cm
4
FFill the box with <, > or =: 500 g ? 1 kg
500 g1 kg
5
FFill the box with <, > or =: 3 kg ? 2 kg
3 kg2 kg
6
FFill the box with <, > or =: 700 ml ? 1 litre
700 ml1 litre
7
FRibbon A is 2 m long. Ribbon B is 150 cm long. Fill the box: A ? B
A2 mB150 cm
8
PSLin’s stick is 5 m long. Ben’s stick is 450 cm long. Fill the box: A ? B. A is Lin’s stick. B is Ben’s stick.
A5 mB450 cm
9
PSWhich is heavier: A or B? Write A or B. A is 1 kg of flour. B is 800 g of rice.
A1 kgB800 g
10
RSam says 1 litre is more than 900 ml. Is he right? Write Yes or No.
1 litre900 ml
11
PSFill each box with <, > or =.
a2 m150 cmb2 kg2000 gc300 ml1 litre
(a)2 m ? 150 cm
(b)2 kg ? 2000 g
(c)300 ml ? 1 l

Chapter summary

SkillMethod
Choose a unitSmall lengths: cm. Long lengths: m. Light things: g. Heavy things: kg. Small amounts of liquid: ml. Big amounts: l.
Units to change1 m = 100 cm. 1 kg = 1000 g. 1 litre = 1000 ml.
Read a rulerPut the 0 at the start. Read the number at the other end. Take the start away if it is not 0.
Read a scaleLook where the needle points or where the arrow stops. Read the number in kg or g.
Read a thermometerRead the top of the red line in °C. Each small mark is one degree.
Read a jugRead the water line. Each number is 200 ml apart, with marks every 50 ml.
Compare and recordChange to the same unit first. Write <, > or = between the amounts.

Can you…?

  • I can choose cm or m for a length.
  • I can measure a line with a ruler in cm.
  • I know that 1 kg is 1000 g.
  • I can read a kitchen scale in kg.
  • I can read a thermometer in degrees Celsius.
  • I know that 1 litre is 1000 ml.
  • I can read a measuring jug in ml.
  • I can compare amounts after changing to the same unit.
  • I can write <, > or = between two amounts.

Key terms

centimetre (cm)
a short unit of length. There are 100 cm in 1 metre.
metre (m)
a longer unit of length.
gram (g)
a small unit of mass.
kilogram (kg)
a bigger unit of mass. 1 kg = 1000 g.
thermometer
an instrument that shows how hot or cold something is.
degree Celsius (°C)
the unit we use to measure temperature.
millilitre (ml)
a small unit of capacity, used for liquids.
litre (l)
a bigger unit of capacity. 1 litre = 1000 ml.
less than (<)
the sign that shows the smaller amount.
more than (>)
the sign that shows the bigger amount.

Exercise 5Z  Check-up

Non-calculator
1
How long is the stick? Write the number of cm.
0123456789101112cm
2
How many centimetres are in 5 metres?
1 m1 m1 m1 m1 m
3
The apple balances 200 g and 100 g. How many grams does the apple weigh?
200 g100 g
4
What does the scale show? Write the number of kilograms.
012345kg
5
What temperature is shown? Write the number of °C.
°C010203040
6
How much water is in the jug? Write the number of ml.
02004006008001000ml
7
Which is shorter: A or B? Write A or B.
AB0123456789101112cm
8
Fill the box with <, > or =: 1 kg ? 900 g
1 kg900 g
9
The temperature was 9 °C in the morning. At noon it is 14 °C. How many degrees did it rise?
°C010203040Morning°C010203040Noon
10
Lin says 1 litre is less than 500 ml. Is she right? Write Yes or No.
02004006008001000ml1 litre02004006008001000ml500 ml

Total 13 marks. Allow about 13 minutes.

Exercise 5X  End-of-chapter quiz

Non-calculator
1
FHow long is the stick? Write the number of cm.[1 mark]
012345678910cm
2
FWhich unit would you use to measure a bus? Write cm or m.[1 mark]
3
FWhat temperature is shown? Write the number of °C.[1 mark]
°C010203040
4
FHow many grams are in 1 kilogram?[1 mark]
1 kg
5
FHow much water is in the jug? Write the number of ml.[1 mark]
02004006008001000ml
6
FWhich is heavier: A or B? Write A or B. A is 1500 g. B is 1 kg.[1 mark]
A1500 gB1 kg
7
FFill the box with <, > or =: 4 m ? 350 cm[2 marks]
4 m350 cm
8
FWhat does the scale show? Write the number of kilograms.[1 mark]
012345kg
9
PSBen has a 3 m rope. He cuts off 80 cm. How many centimetres of rope are left? A is the rope. B is the piece cut off.[2 marks]
A1 m1 m1 mB80 cm
10
RRuby’s jug has 250 ml. Lin’s jug has 600 ml. Who has more? Write Ruby or Lin.[2 marks]
02004006008001000mlRuby02004006008001000mlLin
← Chapter 4: FractionsChapter 6: Money →

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