Measuring Length in Inches and Feet

2nd Grade MathMeasurement and Data4 pages

About this worksheet

Rulers come out for this 2nd grade measurement worksheet, which runs the first four Common Core measurement standards in sequence. After a tool-and-unit multiple choice for a pencil, a whiteboard and a paperclip, students estimate and then actually measure three classroom objects (a math notebook, a new crayon, student scissors) to the nearest inch, recording both numbers side by side. Part 3 shows Maya's desk measured twice, 2 feet and 24 inches, and asks why the inch count is larger. A final comparison finds the bunny ribbon 6 inches longer than the hamster's 8, and a callout keeps 1 foot = 12 inches on the page throughout.

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Curriculum objectives covered

2.MD.1

Measure the length of an object by selecting and using appropriate tools such as rulers, yardsticks, meter sticks, and measuring tapes.

Part 1's six tool-and-unit choices, plus the hands-on ruler work in Part 2.

2.MD.2

Measure the length of an object twice, using length units of different lengths for the two measurements; describe how the two measurements relate to the size of the unit chosen.

Question 4, explaining why 24 inches and 2 feet describe the same desk.

2.MD.3

Estimate lengths using units of inches, feet, centimeters, and meters.

The estimate column in Part 2, filled in before the ruler comes out.

2.MD.4

Measure to determine how much longer one object is than another, expressing the length difference in terms of a standard length unit.

Questions 5 and 6, comparing the two pets' ribbons in inches.

What's inside this worksheet

Part 1: Choosing the Right Tool and Unit

Six checkbox decisions: the best tool and the best unit for a pencil, a classroom whiteboard and a paperclip.

Part 2: Estimate and Measure

A table with an estimate column and an actual column for a notebook, a crayon and scissors. A real ruler is required.

Part 3: Measure Twice with Different Units

Maya's desk as 2 feet and as 24 inches, with a written question about why the smaller unit gives the bigger number.

Part 4: Comparing Lengths

The hamster ribbon (8 inches) against the bunny ribbon (14 inches), with an equation line for the 6-inch difference.

Answer key

Includes typical measured ranges for Part 2, since notebooks and scissors vary by classroom.

How teachers use it

Estimates in pen

Collect estimates before handing out rulers, or the estimate column gets back-filled to match the measurement.

Compare across tables

Notebooks and scissors differ, so answers will too. Chart the room's results and talk about why exact answers vary.

Desk demo for Part 3

Measure a real desk in feet and then in inches under the document camera before students write their explanation.

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