Length Teaching Resources
Teach students how to measure length this school year with printable worksheets, educational games, digital activities and more primary school resources designed to help students learn how to measure objects and distances.
This extensive collection of teaching resources is aligned to the Australian curriculum and covers topics such as informal units for measuring length, measurement tools, standard units and more — all designed to save primary teachers time on lesson planning. Created by expert teachers, each resource in this maths collection has been carefully reviewed and curated by our team. That means it's ready to use in the classroom! You'll even find editable resources, plus differentiated options.
New to teaching length, or just look for fresh ways to engage your students? Read on for a primer from our teaching team!
What Is Length? A Kid-Friendly Definition
Let's start out with an easy way to explain the meaning of length to your students!
Length is the word we use to explain the measurement of how long an object or distance is. It is typically measured in units such as metres or centimetres.
In primary school, students typically begin by learning basic concepts related to length, such as:
- Measurement tools — Ruler, tape measure, metre stick, etc.
- Units of measurement — Centimetre, metre, kilometre, etc.
- Comparing and ordering lengths — Shorter, longer, tallest, shortest, etc.
Units of Measuring Length
In Australia, students learn to measure length using the units of the metric system. Because it's based on units of 10, the metric system makes it easy for students to convert between different units of measurement.
Here are the most common length measurements that your students will likely use in primary school:
Millimetre (mm)
This is the smallest unit of length in the metric system. One millimetre is equal to 1/1000 of a metre.
Centimetre (cm)
One centimetre is equal to 1/100 of a metre. This unit of length is found on your classroom ruler.
Metre (m)
This is the basic unit of length in the metric system. One metre is equal to 100 centimetres.
Kilometre (km)
One kilometre is equal to 1000 metres and is used for measuring longer distances, such as the distance between cities or countries.
How to Teach Length
Looking for some fun ways to teach your students about length? Explore this whole collection for printables and digital activities, and take a look at some fun ideas from our teacher team!
- Measure Yourself — This is an activity that never gets old for students — measuring themselves with a measuring tape! Have students measure their height and then compare their height to their classmates. Students should write down each measurement, and then they can make comparisons such as who is taller or shorter.
- Scavenger Hunt — Scavenger hunts add an element of mystery to this maths skill. Hide various objects around the classroom and have students use a ruler to measure the length of each object.
- Explore Non-Standard Measurement — Before introducing formal measurement tools, using non-standard items such as crayons and paper clips to measure items in the classroom is a good way to help students understand how items relate to one another in size.
- Develop a Length Obstacle Course — Create an obstacle course using cones, hula hoops, and other items. Have students measure the length of the course using a tape measure or metre stick. Once they're done, allow them to get active by actually moving through the course.
- Take a Maths Walk With Your Rulers — This is an excellent idea for real-world application! Take a walk around your school and have students measure the length of different objects they encounter along the way, such as the length of the hallway or the height of a door.
- Free Plan
Measurement Conversion Scoot Game
A set of 24 measurement conversion task cards to use as a whole class scoot activity.
- Plus Plan
Length Maths Investigation - Which Plane Flies Best?
A mathematics investigation about measuring distance, embedded in a real-world context.
- Plus Plan
Year 3 Using Units of Measurement Worksheets Bundle
Download year 3 worksheets for using units of measurement that are linked to the Australian Curriculum.
- Free Plan
Metric Units of Measurement Connectors
A worksheet connecting units of measurement.
- Free Plan
Measuring, Comparing and Ordering Height Worksheet
A worksheet to use when learning about measuring length using informal units.
- Plus Plan
How Much Does It Measure? Match-Up Activity (Length, Mass and Capacity)
A set of 18 match-up cards to reinforce measurement concepts of length, mass and capacity.
- Plus Plan
Measuring My Body – Worksheet
A practical, hands-on activity to explore length by measuring parts of the body.
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Measuring Length with Dinosaur Footprints Worksheet
A worksheet to use when exploring and measuring length with informal units.
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Using Units of Measurement Worksheets - Foundation
8 using units of measurement worksheets linked to the Australian Curriculum.
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Measuring Length with Informal Units Worksheet
A worksheet to use when learning about measuring length using informal units.
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Converting Units of Length – Worksheet
Connect decimal representation while converting units of length with this worksheet.
- Free Plan
Which Is Longer? – Mini Book
A mini book that allows students to compare the length and height of various everyday objects.
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Word Problem Worksheet - Length
Length word problem worksheet with answers.
- Plus Plan
Know Your Measurements Board Game
A fun measurement game for students to play when applying their knowledge of length, mass, capacity and time.
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Informal Units Rulers
A set of rulers that use different sized, informal units to measure length.
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Using Metric Units of Length Worksheet
A two-page worksheet to use when teaching length.
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Selecting Units of Length - Sorting Activity
A sorting activity to help students identify lengths and distances that should be measured in millimetres, centimetres, metres and kilometres.
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Length Investigation - The Longest Finger
A mathematics investigation involving length, embedded in a real-world context.
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Sports Day Dilemma - Numeracy Whole Class Game
A whole class game that consolidates your students’ knowledge of measurement and graphing concepts – in a fun way!
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Printable Rulers for the Classroom
Excite your students about mastering precise measurements with these printable centimetre rulers.
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Let's Get Measuring – Connecting Cubes Templates
A set of templates to use when learning about informal units of length.
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Which Is Longer? – Interactive PowerPoint
An interactive PowerPoint quiz that asks students to compare the length and height of various everyday objects.
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Let's Get Measuring – Paper Clips Templates
A set of templates to use when learning about informal units of length.
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Let's Get Measuring – Counters Templates
A set of templates to use when learning about informal units of length.
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Metric Measurement Conversions Dominoes
A set of measurement dominoes to use in the classroom when converting metric measurements.
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Length Vocabulary Poster
A poster that explains the concept of length and lists associated vocabulary.
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Revision of Length
A 60 minute lesson in which students will revise and consolidate the concept of length.
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Measuring and Comparing Length
A 60 minute lesson in which students will measure and compare lengths of objects using informal units.
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Measuring Length with Informal Units Unit Plan
This Mathematics unit addresses the concept of measuring, comparing and ordering length using informal units.
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Measuring Length with Dinosaur Footprints
A 60 minute lesson in which students will measure and compare lengths of objects using informal units.
- Plus Plan
Length Investigation - The Longest Finger
A 60 minute lesson in which students will apply knowledge and understanding of length to a real-world context.
- Plus Plan
Assessment - Measuring Length with Informal Units
A 30 minute assessment in which students will demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of length.