New
New
Year 3

Converting between centimetres and millimetres

I can convert between centimetres and millimetres

New
New
Year 3

Converting between centimetres and millimetres

I can convert between centimetres and millimetres

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. To convert between cm and mm, we can use the relationship between 1 cm and 10 mm.
  2. To convert between mm, and cm and mm, we can use partitioning.
  3. Estimating the length or height of an object helps us to decide which unit to use when measuring.

Common misconception

E.g. 30 mm is not equivalent to 3 cm because 30 is a larger number.

10 mm are equivalent to 1 cm. Millimetres are smaller than centimetres and 10 mm are needed to make an equivalent length to 1 cm.

Keywords

  • Equivalent - When something is equivalent, it is equal in value.

  • Convert - When we can convert, we change the unit of measurement between millimetres and centimetres but the value remains the same.

This lesson should be done as practically as possible. Ensure the children have concrete experience of what 1 mm, 10 mm and 1 cm look like. It is not necessary to relate the learning to the 10 times-table but can be discussed if a child spots it.
Teacher tip

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is the length of this ribbon?
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: 10 cm, 10 centimetres, Ten cm, ten centimetres, 10 centimeters
Q2.
There are in 1 m.
1 cm
10 cm
10 mm
Correct answer: 100 cm
100 mm
Q3.
Starting with the tallest, order these measurements of height.
1 - 3 m
2 - 200 cm
3 - 150 cm
4 - 1 m
5 - 100 mm
6 - 1 cm
7 - 1 mm
Q4.
What is the length of this ribbon?
An image in a quiz
3 cm
Correct answer: 7 cm
10 cm
Q5.
What is the length of this pencil?
An image in a quiz
5 cm
5 cm 40 mm
Correct answer: 5 cm 4 mm
5 mm 4 mm
6 mm
Q6.
By partitioning, match the whole number to its parts.
Correct Answer:18,10 and 8

10 and 8

Correct Answer:27,20 and 7

20 and 7

Correct Answer:29,20 and 9

20 and 9

Correct Answer:31,30 and 1

30 and 1

Correct Answer:13,10 and 3

10 and 3

Correct Answer:72,70 and 2

70 and 2

6 Questions

Q1.
When we change the unit of measurement between millimetres and centimetres, we .
Correct answer: convert
equivalent
Q2.
Convert the length of this leaf from cm into mm.
An image in a quiz
4 mm
Correct answer: 40 mm
400 mm
Q3.
Which pebble is longer?
An image in a quiz
The green pebble is longer.
The brown pebble is longer.
Correct answer: Both pebbles are the same length.
Q4.
Match the given lengths in cm and mm to their mm equivalent.
Correct Answer:1 cm 1 mm,11 mm

11 mm

Correct Answer:3 cm 5 mm,35 mm

35 mm

Correct Answer:5 cm 3 mm,53 mm

53 mm

Correct Answer:6 cm 8 mm,68 mm

68 mm

Correct Answer:6 cm 9 mm,69 mm

69 mm

Correct Answer:7 cm 9 mm,79 mm

79 mm

Q5.
Which mouse is taller and by how much?
An image in a quiz
The grey mouse is taller by 1 cm.
The white mouse is taller by 1 cm.
Correct answer: The grey mouse is taller by 1 mm
The white mouse is taller by 1 mm.
Q6.
Starting with the tallest, put these lengths into order.
1 - 8 cm
2 - 7 cm 3 mm
3 - 72 mm
4 - 70 mm
5 - 6 cm 8 mm
6 - 67 mm
7 - 5 cm