MAFS.1.MD.1.aArchived Standard

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Understand how to use a ruler to measure length to the nearest inch.

  1. Recognize that the ruler is a tool that can be used to measure the attribute of length.
  2. Understand the importance of the zero point and end point and that the length measure is the span between two points.
  3. Recognize that the units marked on a ruler have equal length intervals and fit together with no gaps or overlaps. These equal interval distances can be counted to determine the overall length of an object.
General Information
Subject Area: Mathematics
Grade: 1
Domain-Subdomain: Measurement and Data
Cluster: Level 2: Basic Application of Skills & Concepts
Cluster: Measure lengths indirectly and by iterating length units. (Major Cluster) -

Clusters should not be sorted from Major to Supporting and then taught in that order. To do so would strip the coherence of the mathematical ideas and miss the opportunity to enhance the major work of the grade with the supporting clusters.

Date Adopted or Revised: 02/14
Content Complexity Rating: Level 2: Basic Application of Skills & Concepts - More Information
Date of Last Rating: 08/14
Status: State Board Approved - Archived

Related Courses

This benchmark is part of these courses.
5012030: Mathematics - Grade One (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
5020020: Science Grade One (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
7712020: Access Mathematics Grade 1 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2018, 2018 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
5020080: STEM Lab Grade 1 (Specifically in versions: 2016 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
5012005: Foundational Skills in Mathematics K-2 (Specifically in versions: 2019 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))

Related Access Points

Alternate version of this benchmark for students with significant cognitive disabilities.

Related Resources

Vetted resources educators can use to teach the concepts and skills in this benchmark.

Formative Assessments

What Do These Marks Mean?:

Students are asked to explain what the marks on a ruler represent and how to use a ruler to measure length.

Type: Formative Assessment

Measuring Michael’s Toy Car - 2:

Students are asked to consider the zero point (origin) and end point when measuring the length of objects to the nearest inch.

Type: Formative Assessment

Measuring Michael’s Toy Car - 1:

Students are asked to explain a method for measuring length and to identify an appropriate tool.

Type: Formative Assessment

Lesson Plans

Inch by Inch:

In this lesson students will be able to recognize the ruler as a tool to measure length, and understand the use of the beginning and end points when measuring the length of an item. Students will need to measure Bubble Tape gum so that everyone is able to have a piece. This lesson addresses part a and b of the standard.

Type: Lesson Plan

Measuring with Inches:

In this engaging introductory lesson to measuring with a ruler, students will learn that a ruler is a tool to measure in inches. They will be moving around the room to measure classroom objects to gather a concrete idea how to measure with a ruler and that they need to start with zero.

Type: Lesson Plan

Problem-Solving Tasks

Measure Me!:

The purpose of this task is for students to measure something that interests them (namely themselves) by laying multiple copies of a shorter object that represents the length unit end to end. This task provides students an opportunity to discuss the need to be careful when measuring as it is very likely that some of them will get incorrect comparisons of their leg length with their partner's leg length.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

How Long:

The purpose of this task is to help students learn how to take measurements.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Teaching Idea

How Big Am I-SeaWorld Classroom Activity:

In this activity, given various tools for measurement, students will be able to measure length. They will compare various units of measurement.

Type: Teaching Idea

MFAS Formative Assessments

Measuring Michael’s Toy Car - 1:

Students are asked to explain a method for measuring length and to identify an appropriate tool.

Measuring Michael’s Toy Car - 2:

Students are asked to consider the zero point (origin) and end point when measuring the length of objects to the nearest inch.

What Do These Marks Mean?:

Students are asked to explain what the marks on a ruler represent and how to use a ruler to measure length.

Student Resources

Vetted resources students can use to learn the concepts and skills in this benchmark.

Problem-Solving Tasks

Measure Me!:

The purpose of this task is for students to measure something that interests them (namely themselves) by laying multiple copies of a shorter object that represents the length unit end to end. This task provides students an opportunity to discuss the need to be careful when measuring as it is very likely that some of them will get incorrect comparisons of their leg length with their partner's leg length.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

How Long:

The purpose of this task is to help students learn how to take measurements.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Parent Resources

Vetted resources caregivers can use to help students learn the concepts and skills in this benchmark.

Problem-Solving Tasks

Measure Me!:

The purpose of this task is for students to measure something that interests them (namely themselves) by laying multiple copies of a shorter object that represents the length unit end to end. This task provides students an opportunity to discuss the need to be careful when measuring as it is very likely that some of them will get incorrect comparisons of their leg length with their partner's leg length.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

How Long:

The purpose of this task is to help students learn how to take measurements.

Type: Problem-Solving Task