Length is a measure how long something is from end to end. This may also include distance, which is defined as the space between points or objects. When you measure the distance around an object, you are finding its perimeter.

We use units to measure both length and distance. There are two systems of measurement: the Metric System and U.S. Customary Units.

To measure very short lengths, such as the length of your big toe or a strand of hair, we usually use centimeters or inches.

When we want to measure somewhat longer lengths or distances, we usually use meters, feet, or yards. Some examples would be the height of a fence or the length of a basketball court.

For measuring longer distances, we use kilometers or miles, such as the distance from your house to your school or the height of a volcano.

Use this figure to help you convert metric length.