The idea, step by step
Read before counting
Measuring tools have equal steps. Look at the numbers and the unit before you count. On a ruler, an object should start at zero.
The edge of a ruler is not always the zero mark. If an object starts elsewhere, find the difference between its end readings.
Marks can mean different amounts
On this jug each labelled step means 100 mL, not 1 mL. Read where the water reaches the scale.
Look straight across at the liquid level. Always write the capacity unit with the number.
A common trap
Counting three marks and answering 3 when each step is 100 mL.
Instead: Use the labels to find each step value.
See the thinking
Ribbon length
Read the ribbon length.
- It begins at 0 cm.
- The other end reaches 7 cm.
A jug reading
How much water is in the jug?
- The labels increase in steps of 100 mL.
- The water reaches the 300 mL line.
Check your understanding
A pointer reaches the line labelled 200 g. What is the mass?
Show answer
200 g
Read the number and retain the unit.
Your turn
6 questions · Work at your own pace.
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 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 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 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 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?
8 − 2 = 6 cm.
6 cm - Leah counts three 100 mL steps above zero and answers 3. Correct her answer.
100 + 100 + 100 = 300 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 ↗