Comparing Length
Let's learn how to compare things to see which is longer, shorter, or the same length. We can even measure using everyday objects!
What is Length?
Length is how long something is from one end to the other. We can compare things to see which is longer, shorter, or the same.
To compare, we need to line things up at the same starting point!
Longer and Shorter
Red pencil:
Blue pencil:
The red pencil is longer. The blue pencil is shorter.
Same Length
Sometimes things are the same length. That means they are equally long!
Green ribbon:
Purple ribbon:
These ribbons are the same length!
Measuring with Objects
We can measure how long something is by using small objects like paper clips or blocks. Line them up from one end to the other and count!
This crayon is 5 paper clips long:
1 2 3 4 5 paper clips
This book is 3 blocks long:
Key Vocabulary
Longer
Takes up more space from end to end. "The snake is longer than the worm."
Shorter
Takes up less space from end to end. "The worm is shorter than the snake."
Taller / Tallest
When we compare things going up and down. "The tree is taller than the bush."
Measure
To find out how long something is by using a ruler, blocks, or other objects.
Ordering by Length
We can put things in order from shortest to longest or from longest to shortest.
Put these worms in order from shortest to longest:
Order: A (shortest), then B, then C (longest).
Worked Examples
Which ribbon is longer?
Step 1: Both ribbons start at the same place on the left.
Step 2: The red ribbon goes further to the right.
Answer: The red ribbon is longer!
How many blocks long is this stick?
Step 1: Line up the blocks from one end of the stick to the other.
Step 2: Count the blocks: 1, 2, 3, 4.
Answer: The stick is 4 blocks long!
Put these towers in order from tallest to shortest.
A
B
C
Step 1: Compare the heights. B is the tallest, C is in the middle, A is the shortest.
Answer: Tallest to shortest: B, C, A.
Knowledge Check
Pick the right answer and click "Check Answer"!
Question 1
Which line is longer?
Question 2
How many paper clips long is this spoon?
Question 3
Which pencil is the shortest?
Question 4
Which word means "not as long"?
Question 5
Put the snakes in order from longest to shortest. Which is the correct order?
Key Concepts Summary
- ● Length is how long something is from one end to the other.
- ● We compare using the words longer, shorter, and same length.
- ● Always line things up at the same starting point to compare fairly.
- ● We can measure using objects like paper clips, blocks, or cubes.
- ● We can order things from shortest to longest (or longest to shortest).