Comparing and measuring · Year 2
In Year 2 you learn: centimetres, metres, kilograms and litres.
Measuring tells us how long, how heavy or how much something holds. First we compare — longer or shorter, heavier or lighter, more or less — and then we measure with rulers, scales and jugs, using units like centimetres, kilograms and millilitres.
Key facts
- Length is how long, tall or wide something is. We measure it in centimetres (cm), metres (m) and kilometres (km).
- Mass is how heavy something is. On a balance, the heavier side goes down. We use grams (g) and kilograms (kg).
- Capacity is how much a container holds. We use millilitres (ml) and litres.
- When you use a ruler, line the end of the object up with 0.
Worked examples
Example 1
Which is heavier: a watermelon or a strawberry?
Answer: A watermelon
Example 2
How long is the pencil?
Answer: 9 cm
Example 3
The crayon does not start at 0. How long is it?
Answer: 7 cm