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Units of Length, Mass & Capacity

≈ 15 min
0/4 practice checks

We measure different quantities with different units:

  • Length: millimetres (mm), centimetres (cm), metres (m), kilometres (km).
  • Mass (how heavy): grams (g), kilograms (kg).
  • Capacity (how much liquid fits): millilitres (ml), litres (l).

Choosing a sensible unit matters. You would measure the length of your classroom in metres, the distance between towns in kilometres, a bag of oranges in kilograms, and a cool drink in millilitres or litres.

Which unit best measures the distance from Cape Town to Johannesburg?

Which unit would you use for the mass of a bag of oranges?

Name a sensible unit for measuring the length of your classroom. (Give one word.)

A rugby field is about 100100 metres long. About how many metres would 33 rugby fields be, laid end to end?