CCSS.Math.Content.4.MD.A.1
The Standard
Know relative sizes of measurement units within one system of units including km, m, cm; kg, g; lb, oz.; l, ml; hr, min, sec. Within a single system of measurement, express measurements in a larger unit in terms of a smaller unit. Record measurement equivalents in a two column table.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics · Measurement and Data
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students compare the sizes of related units for length, mass, volume, and time. They convert larger units to smaller units and organize equivalent measures in tables.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students correctly identify the larger and smaller unit in a pair. They multiply by the correct conversion factor and record equivalent measurements in a two-column table.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may divide when changing a larger unit into a smaller unit. They may use the wrong conversion factor, add the factor repeatedly, or mix metric and customary units.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Complete a feet-to-inches table for 1, 3, and 6 feet, then explain how you found the number of inches.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs meter sticks and centimeter rulers to measure classroom objects, then record each length in meters and centimeters.
Ask students to explain why converting 5 hours to minutes requires multiplication rather than division.
Play a conversion match game using cards with equivalent measures, such as 3 pounds and 48 ounces.
Have students convert drink bottle labels from liters to milliliters and compare which bottle holds more.
Free download
Printable 4.MD.A.1 Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.Math.Content.4.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.
Download the worksheetLearning progression
Where This Standard Sits
See the whole path on the Measurement & Data progression map.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
- CCSS.Math.Content.3.MD.A.2
Experience measuring and solving with grams, kilograms, and liters supports understanding related unit sizes and conversions in grade 4.
- CCSS.Math.Content.3.MD.A.1
Elapsed-time work gives students concrete experience with hours and minutes before converting among hr, min, and sec.
- CCSS.Math.Content.4.NBT.A.1
Base-ten place value supports metric conversions by 10, 100, and 1000, though customary and time units use other relationships.
What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.
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