How to Use a Meter Stick

Meter sticks provide a simple way to measure the length of an object.

Clemson University describes physics as a "quantitative science." Physics explores the "how" and the "why" in our physical universe. Answering these questions requires careful and accurate measurement. For example, you may need to determine how fast an object moves or discuss why heavier objects move faster than lighter objects when traveling down hill. This requires measuring distance. Clemson University explains that the simplest way to measure distance or length is to use a meter stick.

Things You'll Need

• Meter stick

Instructions

1. Place the end of the object (or the starting point of some distance you want to measure) at the base of the meter stick. Meter sticks typically are divided into 100 centimeters, with every 5 or 10 centimeters written in larger, bold text. Between the larger centimeter numbers, most meter sticks are subdivided into millimeters.

2. Mark the furthest millimeter line that touches the end of the object. Note that if the object is larger than one meter, you must mark where the end of the meter stick is and move the meter stick to the marker.

3. Write down the measurement. For example, if the object fell on the fifth millimeter line after the 44 centimeter line, then the length of measurement is 44.5 centimeters long, or .445 meters long.

References

• Clemson University: Measuring Devices