CCSS.Math.Content.1.MD.A.1
The Standard
Order three objects by length; compare the lengths of two objects indirectly by using a third object.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics · Measurement and Data
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students arrange three items by length. When two items cannot be placed together, they compare both with the same reference object.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student lines up endpoints and arranges three objects correctly from shortest to longest. The student compares separated objects using the same paper strip or other reference.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may compare objects without lining up one end. They may judge by overall size instead of length, or use different reference objects for each comparison.
How to Assess It
- Place a book and pencil case on separate tables. Give students one paper strip, then ask which object is longer and how the strip proves it.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs three ribbons of different lengths to align, compare, and place in order from shortest to longest.
Ask students to explain how one paper strip can compare two objects that cannot be moved beside each other.
Play Length Lineup by having groups arrange three classroom objects, then check another group’s order.
Compare the lengths of two shelves using one piece of string, then discuss which shelf can hold more books.
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Printable 1.MD.A.1 Worksheet

A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.Math.Content.1.MD.A.1, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.
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Where This Standard Sits
See the whole path on the Measurement & Data progression map.
Before This Standard
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Related Standards
- CCSS.Math.Content.2.MD.A.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...
- CCSS.Math.Content.2.MD.A.4
Measure to determine how much longer one object is than another, expressing the length difference in terms of a standard length unit.
- CCSS.Math.Content.1.MD.A
Measure lengths indirectly and by iterating length units.
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