Converting Units of Length: Kilometers, Meters, Centimeters and Millimeters

About This Resource

A complete Grade 4 math pack on converting metric units of length. Students change km, m, cm and mm, choose the best unit and solve length word problems. Includes quiz, homework and rubric.

Overview

Students learn how the metric units of length are connected: 1 km = 1,000 m, 1 m = 100 cm and 1 cm = 10 mm. They convert from a larger unit to a smaller unit by multiplying, convert from a smaller unit to a larger unit by dividing, choose the best unit to measure things, and solve word problems with lengths.

Resource Details

Subject: Math
Topic: Converting Units of Length
Category: Measurement
File Type: PDF
File Size: 361.9 KB
Published: 28 Oct 2026
Downloads: 0

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Grade 4 45 minutes Measuring length metric units multiplying and dividing by 10 100 and 1 000 word problems

Student Task

Use the lesson plan to teach the lesson in about 45 minutes.
Print the worksheet for guided and independent practice.
Use the quiz to check learning and the homework for practice at home.
Use the rubric to record each student's level.

Classroom Use

Measure it: students measure five objects in cm and then write each length in mm.
Meter stick walk: students lay a meter stick end to end 10 times to see how long 10 m is.
Unit match race: students in pairs match unit cards, such as 3 m and 300 cm, as fast as they can.

Differentiation

Support: give students a conversion chart and limit the work to meters and centimeters. Challenge: ask students to write 2 km 350 m in meters and in millimeters.

Answer Key & Assessment

Check the conversion fill-in questions first. Students who multiply when they should divide have not yet linked the size of the unit to the number of units. Use the quiz and rubric for a record.

Learning Objectives

Know the links between kilometers, meters, centimeters and millimeters.
Convert between metric units of length by multiplying or dividing by 10, 100 or 1,000.
Choose the best unit to measure a length and solve word problems with lengths.

Teacher Tips

Use a real meter stick with centimeters and millimeters marked so students can see that 1 m has 100 cm. Remind students: going to a smaller unit means more of them, so multiply; going to a bigger unit means fewer of them, so divide.

What's Included

14-page printable PDF lesson pack: teacher lesson plan with timings, materials and differentiation
Key vocabulary list (8 words with meanings and examples)
Student worksheet (8 activities)
Quiz / assessment (4 parts)
Homework practice page
Printable flashcards (8 picture cards)
Assessment rubric (4 levels)
Lesson slides (editable PowerPoint)
Editable Word version of all student pages
Complete answer key (also as a separate PDF)