CCSS.Math.Content.3.MD.C.6
The standard
Measure areas by counting unit squares (square cm, square m, square in, square ft, and improvised units).
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics · Measurement and Data
What this standard means
Students need to understand area as the number of same-size square units that cover a flat shape with no gaps or overlaps. They should count square centimeters, square inches, square feet, or paper-made squares to find area, and name the unit correctly.
Mastery means students can tile a rectangle or irregular shape, count the squares accurately, and explain the answer as square units. Common trouble spots are counting side lengths instead of inside squares, leaving gaps, overlapping tiles, and writing “inches” instead of “square inches.”
Ways to teach it
- Have students cover index-card rectangles with inch tiles, then record the area as a number of square inches.
- Ask students to explain why a shape covered by 12 square tiles has an area of 12 square units.
- Show three tiled shapes for 30 seconds, then have students write each area and the correct square unit.
- Measure the area of a classroom book cover using sticky notes as improvised square units.
Plan a lesson for CCSS.Math.Content.3.MD.C.6
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
Related standards
- CCSS.Math.Content.5.MD.C.4
Measure volumes by counting unit cubes, using cubic cm, cubic in, cubic ft, and improvised units.
- CCSS.Math.Content.2.MD.A.3
Estimate lengths using units of inches, feet, centimeters, and meters.
- CCSS.Math.Content.3.MD.C.5a
A square with side length 1 unit, called "a unit square," is said to have "one square unit" of area, and can be used to measure area.
- CCSS.Math.Content.2.MD.A
Measure and estimate lengths in standard units.