Skill: Measure length with nonstandard units

Explanation and Free Practice Resources

Length can be quantified by iterating equal-sized nonstandard units along an object, placing them end to end from an endpoint with no gaps or overlaps, and counting the units to obtain a numerical measure. The measure depends on the unit’s size: using smaller units produces a greater count, while using larger units produces a smaller count; consistent unit placement supports accurate comparison and prepares for measurement with standard units.

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Detailed Explanation: Measure length with nonstandard units

To measure length with nonstandard units:

Choose equal-sized units, such as paper clips or cubes.
Start at one endpoint of the object.
Place the units end to end, with no gaps and no overlaps.
Count the units.

Example: How long is a crayon in cubes?

Place cubes along the crayon:

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The cubes touch each other and cover the crayon from one end to the other.

Count the cubes: $1, 2, 3, 4, 5$ .

So, the crayon is $5$ cubes long.

Use the same-sized units each time. Smaller units make a greater count, while larger units make a smaller count.

Learn by doing: Measure length with nonstandard units

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Length of a Line on a Grid - 1 Segment, 1 Labelled (Irregular) - To Length

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