How to Take Measurements With Rulers

Rulers are one of the first tools that students are taught to use in school. They are used in math and science class to find the measurements of various objects. It is important for students to learn how to use a ruler properly to measure objects quickly. Fortunately, it is very easy to take measurements with a ruler.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ruler
• Things to measure

Take Measurements with a Ruler

1. Determine if you want to measure the item in centimeters or inches. This will determine what side or edge of the ruler you will use.

2. Place the item that you want to measure in front of you on a flat surface. Place the ruler’s edge next to the item so that the item starts at "0", marked on the end of the ruler.

3. Take note of where the end of the object is in relationship to the numbered increments on the ruler. If the object ends between two increments, you either will round up to the nearest increment or estimate an interim incremental measurement. For example, if you are measuring a gummy worm and it falls between 1 ½ inches and 1 ¾ inches then you can either say that it is 1 ¾ inches or that it is about 1 5/8 inches.

4. Know how to round up or down. Round to the nearest quarter inch or nearest inch. If you are rounding you will round up if the answer is equal to or more than half way between two increments. You will round down if the answer is less than half way between two measuring increments.

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