Let's solve this
Metric Units Worksheet step by step. The goal is to choose the
most appropriate unit of measure from the list provided:
kg, cm, ml, km, mm, g, m, tonnes, litres
We'll go through each item and explain why a particular unit is best.
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a) The weight of a hippopotamus
✔ Answer: tonnes
🔹 *Explanation:* Hippos are very heavy animals — they can weigh over 1,500 kg. So, using
tonnes (1 tonne = 1,000 kg) is more practical and appropriate for such large weights.
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b) The volume of juice in a glass
✔ Answer: ml (millilitres)
🔹 *Explanation:* A glass of juice holds a small amount of liquid — typically around 200–300 ml.
Millilitres are used for small volumes like drinks.
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c) The length of a motorway
✔ Answer: km (kilometres)
🔹 *Explanation:* Motorways are long roads — often tens or hundreds of kilometres long.
Kilometres are used for measuring long distances.
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d) The height of your teacher
✔ Answer: m (metres)
🔹 *Explanation:* Human height is usually measured in
metres (e.g., 1.6 m or 1.7 m). While centimetres could be used, metres are standard for human height.
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e) The volume of water in a bath
✔ Answer: litres
🔹 *Explanation:* A full bathtub holds about 80–100 litres of water.
Litres are used for larger volumes of liquid, like water in baths or buckets.
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f) The length of a ladybird
✔ Answer: mm (millimetres)
🔹 *Explanation:* Ladybirds are tiny — about 5–8 mm long.
Millimetres are used for very small lengths.
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g) The weight of an orange
✔ Answer: g (grams)
🔹 *Explanation:* An average orange weighs around 150–200 grams.
Grams are used for small, everyday objects.
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h) The width of a swimming pool
✔ Answer: m (metres)
🔹 *Explanation:* Swimming pools are wide — usually 5 to 10 metres across.
Metres are suitable for measuring medium-sized lengths like this.
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i) The weight of a dog
✔ Answer: kg (kilograms)
🔹 *Explanation:* Dogs vary in size, but most pets weigh between 5 kg and 50 kg.
Kilograms are ideal for measuring animal weights.
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j) The length of a book
✔ Answer: cm (centimetres)
🔹 *Explanation:* Books are usually around 20–30 cm long.
Centimetres are used for everyday objects that aren’t too small or too large.
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✔ Final Answers:
| Item | Answer |
|------|--------|
| a) The weight of a hippopotamus |
tonnes |
| b) The volume of juice in a glass |
ml |
| c) The length of a motorway |
km |
| d) The height of your teacher |
m |
| e) The volume of water in a bath |
litres |
| f) The length of a ladybird |
mm |
| g) The weight of an orange |
g |
| h) The width of a swimming pool |
m |
| i) The weight of a dog |
kg |
| j) The length of a book |
cm |
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This worksheet helps students understand
real-world applications of metric units and develop
estimation skills based on common objects and sizes.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of which unit of measurement worksheet.
