What Is a Meter Stick? Definition and Examples
reviewed by Jo-ann Caballes
Updated on November 15, 2024
A meter stick is a measurement device for determining the length of objects using the metric system.
Here, we will be discussing the meter stick definition, examples, practice questions, and more.
What is a meter stick?
A meter stick (sometimes referred to as a metric stick or meterstick) is a measurement device made of metal, plastic, or wood that uses a metric scale to gauge the length of objects.
Meter stick definition
The meter stick is a measuring instrument that is one meter long used to determine the length of objects using millimeters, centimeters, and meters.
How long is a meter stick?
A meter stick is as long as 1 meter, i.e., 100 centimeters (cm) or 1,000 millimeters (mm). If converted into feet, the meter stick is approximately 3.28 feet and 39.37 inches.
The meter stick is usually used to measure objects that span up to a meter in length or short distances of less than 3 feet. However, there are some other types of meter sticks such as the 2-meter stick that may reach up to 2 meters in length, and shorter measurement tools like the centimeter stick. There are also other types of measuring tools to measure longer lengths such as flexible measuring tape, folding rulers, laser distance measurers, surveying rods, and so on — some of these are up to 10 meters long!
What objects are 10 meters long?
Speaking of 10-meter measurement tools, let’s go over some objects that can reach up to 10 meters in length to show why we may need those types of measuring tools:
- A three-story building with each story reaching 3 to 3.5 meters in length can reach 10 meters in length cumulatively.
- A telephone pole can be 30 to 36 feet in length and 32 feet is 10 meters approx.
- Half of a cricket pitch, and so on.
Meter stick units
The meter stick has multiple units — millimeters (1,000), centimeters (100), and the entire stick which measures exactly a meter.
The meter stick may also have measurement units for the US customary units (inches and yards) on the same side or the other side of the tool.
Meter stick vs yardstick
The yard is the closest US customary unit to the meter and fun fact, it also comes in its own measurement device like the meter stick which is called the yardstick.
However, the yardstick is not exactly the same as the meter stick. Here are some of their differences:
| Meter stick | Yardstick |
| The meter stick length is 1 meter. | The yardstick is a yard long. |
| A 1-meter stick is 1.09 yards, 39.37 inches, and 3.28 feet when converted to the US customary unit. | The yardstick is 0.91 meters, 91.44 centimeters, and 914.4 millimeters when converted to the metric system. |
| Used in most countries around the world. | Used majorly in the US and UK. |
| Marked in millimeters and centimeters. | Marked in inches. |
| A meter stick length example is an average guitar. | A 1-yard example is a baseball bat. |
Ruler or meter stick
The ruler is perhaps the most popular measurement tool in the world. We use it for daily operations in the classroom, at work, and so on. Like the meter stick, it is also a measurement tool but they are quite different. However, unlike the meter stick, the ruler is usually only 12 inches or 30 centimeters in length and is most appropriate for smaller measurement requirements.
How to read a meter stick?
The meter stick is read just like a ruler. We begin by placing the object’s end directly below the ‘0’ mark of the meter stick, then we observe the last number the object reaches in the scale to get the measurement.
Note that the bold numbers on the meter stick are centimeters and the smaller lines are millimeters. 10 millimeters make one centimeter.
Therefore, if we were to measure a book with a length of 14 cm, we would place the book under the “0” mark, and then observe the last number that the book falls under:
What is a meter stick used for?
A meter stick is used for measurements, but here are some specific uses for the measuring tool:
- To measure objects in millimeters and centimeters
- To sketch straight lines
- To measure objects that are a meter long or slightly longer
Solved Math Tasks: Examples
Solved math problem 1
Around Betty’s home are things that are 5 meters long including a gymnastics mat and a picnic table. Which of these measuring tools is most appropriate to measure these objects:
- A ruler
- A meter stick
- Measuring tape
Answer
| A measuring tape is the most appropriate measurement tool for measuring things that are 5 meters long or longer. |
This is because the measuring tape can stretch up to 10 yards long. On the other hand, the ruler only works for much shorter lengths and the meter stick works best for objects that are up to or less than a meter in length.
Solved math problem 2
Manny wants to measure his book but doesn’t start from the “0” marking. Instead, he starts by measuring one end at 20 cm and the other end reaches 30 cm. What is the measurement of the book?
Answer
For Manny to get the measurement of the book, he will subtract the higher measurement by the lesser one, that is:
30 cm – 20 cm = 10 cm.
| This means the book is 10 cm in length. |
Solved math problem 3
What is the equivalence of the following measurement units to meters:
- Millimeters
- Centimeters
- Yard
- Inches
- Feet
Answer
|
Solved math problem 4
Answer the following questions in true or false format:
- The ruler or meter stick can be used for the same tasks
- The meter stick is marked with centimeters and millimeters
- We can measure long distances like the distance between two cities with a meter stick
Answer
|
Meter Stick: Practice Math Problems
Meter Sticks: worksheets
The meter stick is an instrument that helps us know the length of objects or distances using the meter measurement of the metric system.
Learn more about the meter stick measurement and other instruments and systems with our free worksheets:
- Measuring to the nearest ½ inch worksheets
- Measurement conversion worksheets
- Measuring lengths worksheets
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