Skills on Demand
Tune-up: Converting English Measurements

You are probably familiar with the English measurement system, the standard units of measurement used in the United States. Here are some examples.

  • Length is measured in inches, feet, yards, and miles. Tools to measure length include a ruler, yardstick and tape measure.

  • Weight is measured in ounces, pounds and tons. Different types of scales are used to measure weight.

  • Liquid measure is given in ounces, cups, pints, quarts and gallons. To determine liquid measurements, we use measuring cups and beakers.

Look at the measuring tool used in each picture below. Which is the correct measurement for each object?

Grapes on a scale. The scale reads 2.5. Would that be 2.5 inches or 2.5 pounds?
Nail the measures 1.5 on a measuring tape. Would that be 1.5 pounds or 1.5 inches?
Two containers of liquid. One is full to the mark labeled one and the other is second is full to the mark labeled 3 quarters.

Did you choose 2.5 pounds, 1 ½ inches and 1 ¾ cups? If so, you are correct!