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Measurement · Grade 1

Ordering Three Lengths Worksheets

Align the starting ends, then compare how far each strip reaches. Use the labels to record the order.

4 problemsAnswer key includedFree printableA4 & US Letter
Generate & printSee the worked example

Start the strips at the same place

To compare lengths directly, line up one end of each strip. On this worksheet the left ends are already aligned. The strip whose right end reaches farthest is the longest; the one that stops first is the shortest.

Find all three positions

For a shortest-to-longest task, first find the shortest strip and write its letter. Next find the longest strip. The remaining strip belongs between them. Read the three letters back while pointing to the strips to check the order.

Keep the labels with their strips.

A, B, and C identify the pictures; they do not tell you which strip is longest. Compare the right ends before writing any letters.

Answer the question that was asked

Some questions ask for three letters in order. Others ask only which strip is longest and need one letter. Before writing, say whether you need an ordered list or a single label.

If the child chooses the bottom strip without comparing: trace each strip from its left end to its right end. Compare how far it reaches instead of where it sits on the page.

Try it with paper strips

Cut three different lengths of paper and align their left ends on a table. Ask the child to arrange them from shortest to longest. Move one strip sideways, then realign the ends before comparing again. A strip does not change length when its position changes.

Explain the middle length

Ask the child to complete, “This strip is longer than ... but shorter than ...” Naming both comparisons helps explain why a strip belongs in the middle rather than merely guessing a list.

About these four questions

Each set contains two ordering tasks and two longest-strip tasks from the original bank. The strips have different lengths and aligned left ends. The original source places them in increasing or decreasing length from top to bottom; it does not generate every possible arrangement.

This is visual length comparison, not ruler measurement. No centimeters or inches are assigned to the drawings, and the activity does not assess indirect comparison through a third object. Printing at a different scale changes all strips together and preserves their order.

Make a practice set

Choose what to print. Selecting both shows the answer key on screen and prints the questions followed by the answers.

Print materials

After the practice

Ask why one strip belongs in the middle. Use its label to explain both shorter-than and longer-than comparisons.

More about measurement · Grade 1 worksheets

Grade 1 selected skill connection: 1.MD.A.1. See the Common Core grade guidance. This worksheet does not cover every requirement in the standard.