Measurements

Length, volume, mass, and temperature–how are they measured?

As you know, the metric system is used so scientists can easily communicate their findings with one another. If there were not common units, the data would be difficult to compare. Length, volume, mass, and temperature are all measurements that are recorded using the metric system. Click the tabs below to learn specifics about each measurement.

Three objects placed above metric rulers: a pencil measuring 10 cm, an eraser at 6 cm, and a pushpin at 2 cm. The basic unit of length in the metric system is a meter (m). Very small items are most likely measured in centimeters (cm), whereas very long objects are most likely measured in kilometers (km). As you can see in the diagram, the end of the object needs to be lined up with the “0” mark on the ruler or meter stick in order to get accurate measurements.

Four glass graduated cylinders containing different levels of red, orange, green, and blue liquids Volume, the amount of space an object takes up, is measured in two different ways depending on if the object is solid or liquid. Liquid volume is measured in a graduated cylinder (as shown), and the base unit is a liter (l). The measurement should be read at the top of the liquid when placed in the graduated cylinder.

Two large cubes containing different sizes of smaller unit cubes to demonstrate volume. Solid volume is calculated by multiplying the length of the object by the width and the height (volume = length x width x height). The metric units for solid volume are cubic meters (mᵌ).

A red and yellow apple on a round glass digital scale displaying a numerical reading of 160 grams. Recall that mass is the amount of matter in an object. Scales are used to measure mass and the metric base unit is grams (g). Since most labs contain electronic scales, this is a very easy measurement to obtain. Simply place the object on the scale and the mass is shown.

A vertical thermometer in the snow shows a red liquid level reaching -20°C or -4°F When you think of temperature, you probably think of it in Fahrenheit. However, scientists use Celsius when measuring and discussing temperature. In Celsius, the freezing temperature is 0⁰ and the boiling temperature is 100⁰.

Test your knowledge on metric measurements by answering the questions below. Click each question to check your work.

If you wanted to measure the amount of matter inside your notebook, what piece of equipment and what units would be used?

This box is 7 cm long, 4 cm wide, and 3 cm high. What is the volume of the box?