Measurement Units
Understand and use standard units for length, mass, and capacity in everyday contexts.
What You Need to Know
Key Concept Diagram
Length is measured in millimetres (mm), centimetres (cm), metres (m), and kilometres (km).
Mass is measured in grams (g) and kilograms (kg); 1 kg = 1000 g.
Capacity (how much liquid a container holds) is measured in millilitres (mL) and litres (L).
Choosing the right unit avoids very large or very small numbers (e.g. use km, not cm, for distances between towns).
Key Vocabulary
unit
A standard quantity used to measure, such as centimetre or gram.
mass
The amount of matter in an object, measured in grams or kilograms.
capacity
The amount a container can hold, measured in millilitres or litres.
estimate
A reasonable guess based on known information, without exact calculation.
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
Which unit is best for measuring the length of a pencil?
Question 2
How many grams are in 2 kilograms?
Question 3
A bottle holds 500 mL of water. How many bottles do you need to fill a 1 L jug?
Key Concepts Summary
- ●Length is measured in millimetres (mm), centimetres (cm), metres (m), and kilometres (km).
- ●Mass is measured in grams (g) and kilograms (kg); 1 kg = 1000 g.
- ●Capacity (how much liquid a container holds) is measured in millilitres (mL) and litres (L).
- ●Choosing the right unit avoids very large or very small numbers (e.g. use km, not cm, for distances between towns).