NCERT Textbook: Measurement of Length and Motion | Science Class 6 PDF Download

 Page 1


Measurement of Length  
and Motion
5
Chapter
Deepa, a curious eleven-year old girl, lives in a 
town of the state of Haryana. The new school 
year has started. Deepa needs a new uniform 
since she has grown taller. Her mother takes 
her to a cloth shop. She asks for a two-metre 
cloth piece. The shopkeeper measures the 
cloth using a metal measuring rod.
Then, the tailor takes her measurements 
using a flexible measuring tape. Her mother 
instructs the tailor to increase the length of her 
uniform by char angula (four fingers width).
Are 
the tape and rod 
similar to the scale that the 
elder sister has in her geometry 
box? What did mother mean 
by char angula?
Deepa shares her experience with her school friends 
Anish, Hardeep, Padma, Tasneem and this leads to a 
discussion amongst them. 
Chapter 5.indd   79 10-07-2024   14:28:57
Page 2


Measurement of Length  
and Motion
5
Chapter
Deepa, a curious eleven-year old girl, lives in a 
town of the state of Haryana. The new school 
year has started. Deepa needs a new uniform 
since she has grown taller. Her mother takes 
her to a cloth shop. She asks for a two-metre 
cloth piece. The shopkeeper measures the 
cloth using a metal measuring rod.
Then, the tailor takes her measurements 
using a flexible measuring tape. Her mother 
instructs the tailor to increase the length of her 
uniform by char angula (four fingers width).
Are 
the tape and rod 
similar to the scale that the 
elder sister has in her geometry 
box? What did mother mean 
by char angula?
Deepa shares her experience with her school friends 
Anish, Hardeep, Padma, Tasneem and this leads to a 
discussion amongst them. 
Chapter 5.indd   79 10-07-2024   14:28:57
Curiosity | Textbook of Science | Grade 6
80
5.1 How do we Measure?
Hardeep says, “I have seen my grandmother measuring 
cloth by the length of her arm.”
“Have you ever seen how a farmer measures length to 
divide his field into beds? He walks and counts the number 
of his strides,” says Padma.
“Oh, not just the length of the strides—sometimes they 
also use the length of their feet to measure,” adds Anish.
Deepa says excitedly, “Measuring length using body parts 
must be so much fun! Let us also measure something using 
a body part.” 
“What should we measure? Okay, let us 
measure the length of the table in our classroom,” 
says Tasneem.
Padma adds, “And which body part should 
we use to measure it?”
Deepa says, “Let us use our handspan. I will 
show you how to use it. I have seen my mother 
using it. She calls it balisht.”
Hardeep adds, “Okay. Let us also note down 
our measurements.” 
Fig. 5.1: Use of handspan  
for measuring
Deepa
Padma
Tasneem
Anish
Hardeep
Chapter 5.indd   80 10-07-2024   14:28:58
Page 3


Measurement of Length  
and Motion
5
Chapter
Deepa, a curious eleven-year old girl, lives in a 
town of the state of Haryana. The new school 
year has started. Deepa needs a new uniform 
since she has grown taller. Her mother takes 
her to a cloth shop. She asks for a two-metre 
cloth piece. The shopkeeper measures the 
cloth using a metal measuring rod.
Then, the tailor takes her measurements 
using a flexible measuring tape. Her mother 
instructs the tailor to increase the length of her 
uniform by char angula (four fingers width).
Are 
the tape and rod 
similar to the scale that the 
elder sister has in her geometry 
box? What did mother mean 
by char angula?
Deepa shares her experience with her school friends 
Anish, Hardeep, Padma, Tasneem and this leads to a 
discussion amongst them. 
Chapter 5.indd   79 10-07-2024   14:28:57
Curiosity | Textbook of Science | Grade 6
80
5.1 How do we Measure?
Hardeep says, “I have seen my grandmother measuring 
cloth by the length of her arm.”
“Have you ever seen how a farmer measures length to 
divide his field into beds? He walks and counts the number 
of his strides,” says Padma.
“Oh, not just the length of the strides—sometimes they 
also use the length of their feet to measure,” adds Anish.
Deepa says excitedly, “Measuring length using body parts 
must be so much fun! Let us also measure something using 
a body part.” 
“What should we measure? Okay, let us 
measure the length of the table in our classroom,” 
says Tasneem.
Padma adds, “And which body part should 
we use to measure it?”
Deepa says, “Let us use our handspan. I will 
show you how to use it. I have seen my mother 
using it. She calls it balisht.”
Hardeep adds, “Okay. Let us also note down 
our measurements.” 
Fig. 5.1: Use of handspan  
for measuring
Deepa
Padma
Tasneem
Anish
Hardeep
Chapter 5.indd   80 10-07-2024   14:28:58
Measurement of Length and Motion
81
Padma says, “Oh, the number of handspans is different for 
all of us. So, what can we say about the length of the table?”
“But why should the number be different?” Hardeep 
asked thoughtfully.
Tasneem says, “I can guess. Our handspans are of 
different sizes.”
Anish gives an idea, “Let us check this.”
So, all five of them put their handspans along each 
other and arrive at the conclusion that the lengths of their 
handspans are different.
Deepa says thoughtfully, “No wonder people use scales 
and measuring tapes.”
Deepa and her friends compare the length of the table 
with the length of their handspans. The length of the table is 
expressed in terms of their handspans. Here, the handspan 
used for measurement is an example of a unit. And the length 
is expressed in two parts, a number and a unit. For example, 
if the length of the table is found to be 13 handspans, then 
13 is the number and ‘handspan’ is the unit selected for the 
measurement.
However, handspans and other similar units, such as 
length of hand, foot, fist or fingers, differ from person to 
person. Thus, there is a need for such a unit for which 
measurements of the same length made by different people 
do not differ .
Table 5.1: Measuring the length of the table
Name of the Student Number of Handspans
Anish Slightly more than 13
Padma 13
Tasneem Slightly less than 13
Deepa Between 13 and 14
Hardeep 14
Chapter 5.indd   81 10-07-2024   14:28:58
Page 4


Measurement of Length  
and Motion
5
Chapter
Deepa, a curious eleven-year old girl, lives in a 
town of the state of Haryana. The new school 
year has started. Deepa needs a new uniform 
since she has grown taller. Her mother takes 
her to a cloth shop. She asks for a two-metre 
cloth piece. The shopkeeper measures the 
cloth using a metal measuring rod.
Then, the tailor takes her measurements 
using a flexible measuring tape. Her mother 
instructs the tailor to increase the length of her 
uniform by char angula (four fingers width).
Are 
the tape and rod 
similar to the scale that the 
elder sister has in her geometry 
box? What did mother mean 
by char angula?
Deepa shares her experience with her school friends 
Anish, Hardeep, Padma, Tasneem and this leads to a 
discussion amongst them. 
Chapter 5.indd   79 10-07-2024   14:28:57
Curiosity | Textbook of Science | Grade 6
80
5.1 How do we Measure?
Hardeep says, “I have seen my grandmother measuring 
cloth by the length of her arm.”
“Have you ever seen how a farmer measures length to 
divide his field into beds? He walks and counts the number 
of his strides,” says Padma.
“Oh, not just the length of the strides—sometimes they 
also use the length of their feet to measure,” adds Anish.
Deepa says excitedly, “Measuring length using body parts 
must be so much fun! Let us also measure something using 
a body part.” 
“What should we measure? Okay, let us 
measure the length of the table in our classroom,” 
says Tasneem.
Padma adds, “And which body part should 
we use to measure it?”
Deepa says, “Let us use our handspan. I will 
show you how to use it. I have seen my mother 
using it. She calls it balisht.”
Hardeep adds, “Okay. Let us also note down 
our measurements.” 
Fig. 5.1: Use of handspan  
for measuring
Deepa
Padma
Tasneem
Anish
Hardeep
Chapter 5.indd   80 10-07-2024   14:28:58
Measurement of Length and Motion
81
Padma says, “Oh, the number of handspans is different for 
all of us. So, what can we say about the length of the table?”
“But why should the number be different?” Hardeep 
asked thoughtfully.
Tasneem says, “I can guess. Our handspans are of 
different sizes.”
Anish gives an idea, “Let us check this.”
So, all five of them put their handspans along each 
other and arrive at the conclusion that the lengths of their 
handspans are different.
Deepa says thoughtfully, “No wonder people use scales 
and measuring tapes.”
Deepa and her friends compare the length of the table 
with the length of their handspans. The length of the table is 
expressed in terms of their handspans. Here, the handspan 
used for measurement is an example of a unit. And the length 
is expressed in two parts, a number and a unit. For example, 
if the length of the table is found to be 13 handspans, then 
13 is the number and ‘handspan’ is the unit selected for the 
measurement.
However, handspans and other similar units, such as 
length of hand, foot, fist or fingers, differ from person to 
person. Thus, there is a need for such a unit for which 
measurements of the same length made by different people 
do not differ .
Table 5.1: Measuring the length of the table
Name of the Student Number of Handspans
Anish Slightly more than 13
Padma 13
Tasneem Slightly less than 13
Deepa Between 13 and 14
Hardeep 14
Chapter 5.indd   81 10-07-2024   14:28:58
Curiosity | Textbook of Science | Grade 6
82
India has a rich history of measurement 
systems dating back to ancient times. Angula 
(finger width), multiples of angula, dhanusa, 
and yojana are some of the units mentioned 
in ancient Indian literature, and used in 
measuring artefacts, architecture, and 
town planning. The angula is still used by 
traditional craftspeople like carpenters 
and tailors. Several objects with ruled 
markings which could be scales have been 
excavated from sites of the Harappan 
Civilisation. 
More to 
know!
Fig. 5.2:  
A metre scale
5.2 Standard Units
Several systems of units evolved with time in 
different parts of the world. However , when 
people started travelling from one place to 
another, it created a lot of confusion. This led 
to the different countries coming together 
and adopting a set of standard units of 
measurement. The system of units now used is 
known as the ‘International System of Units’ or 
SI units. 
The SI unit of length is metre. Its symbol 
is  m. A metre scale is shown in Fig. 5.2. One 
metre (m) is divided into 100 equal divisions. 
Each division is called a centimetre (cm). You 
may be familiar with a smaller part of the 
metre scale, typically 15 cm long, shown in 
Fig. 5.3.
Look carefully at the 15-cm scale. It has 
markings (in  cm) from 0 to 15. The length 
of any section between two consecutive big 
marks, such as between 1 and 2 or between 
5 and 6, is 1  cm. Observe that these sections 
Chapter 5.indd   82 10-07-2024   14:29:13
Page 5


Measurement of Length  
and Motion
5
Chapter
Deepa, a curious eleven-year old girl, lives in a 
town of the state of Haryana. The new school 
year has started. Deepa needs a new uniform 
since she has grown taller. Her mother takes 
her to a cloth shop. She asks for a two-metre 
cloth piece. The shopkeeper measures the 
cloth using a metal measuring rod.
Then, the tailor takes her measurements 
using a flexible measuring tape. Her mother 
instructs the tailor to increase the length of her 
uniform by char angula (four fingers width).
Are 
the tape and rod 
similar to the scale that the 
elder sister has in her geometry 
box? What did mother mean 
by char angula?
Deepa shares her experience with her school friends 
Anish, Hardeep, Padma, Tasneem and this leads to a 
discussion amongst them. 
Chapter 5.indd   79 10-07-2024   14:28:57
Curiosity | Textbook of Science | Grade 6
80
5.1 How do we Measure?
Hardeep says, “I have seen my grandmother measuring 
cloth by the length of her arm.”
“Have you ever seen how a farmer measures length to 
divide his field into beds? He walks and counts the number 
of his strides,” says Padma.
“Oh, not just the length of the strides—sometimes they 
also use the length of their feet to measure,” adds Anish.
Deepa says excitedly, “Measuring length using body parts 
must be so much fun! Let us also measure something using 
a body part.” 
“What should we measure? Okay, let us 
measure the length of the table in our classroom,” 
says Tasneem.
Padma adds, “And which body part should 
we use to measure it?”
Deepa says, “Let us use our handspan. I will 
show you how to use it. I have seen my mother 
using it. She calls it balisht.”
Hardeep adds, “Okay. Let us also note down 
our measurements.” 
Fig. 5.1: Use of handspan  
for measuring
Deepa
Padma
Tasneem
Anish
Hardeep
Chapter 5.indd   80 10-07-2024   14:28:58
Measurement of Length and Motion
81
Padma says, “Oh, the number of handspans is different for 
all of us. So, what can we say about the length of the table?”
“But why should the number be different?” Hardeep 
asked thoughtfully.
Tasneem says, “I can guess. Our handspans are of 
different sizes.”
Anish gives an idea, “Let us check this.”
So, all five of them put their handspans along each 
other and arrive at the conclusion that the lengths of their 
handspans are different.
Deepa says thoughtfully, “No wonder people use scales 
and measuring tapes.”
Deepa and her friends compare the length of the table 
with the length of their handspans. The length of the table is 
expressed in terms of their handspans. Here, the handspan 
used for measurement is an example of a unit. And the length 
is expressed in two parts, a number and a unit. For example, 
if the length of the table is found to be 13 handspans, then 
13 is the number and ‘handspan’ is the unit selected for the 
measurement.
However, handspans and other similar units, such as 
length of hand, foot, fist or fingers, differ from person to 
person. Thus, there is a need for such a unit for which 
measurements of the same length made by different people 
do not differ .
Table 5.1: Measuring the length of the table
Name of the Student Number of Handspans
Anish Slightly more than 13
Padma 13
Tasneem Slightly less than 13
Deepa Between 13 and 14
Hardeep 14
Chapter 5.indd   81 10-07-2024   14:28:58
Curiosity | Textbook of Science | Grade 6
82
India has a rich history of measurement 
systems dating back to ancient times. Angula 
(finger width), multiples of angula, dhanusa, 
and yojana are some of the units mentioned 
in ancient Indian literature, and used in 
measuring artefacts, architecture, and 
town planning. The angula is still used by 
traditional craftspeople like carpenters 
and tailors. Several objects with ruled 
markings which could be scales have been 
excavated from sites of the Harappan 
Civilisation. 
More to 
know!
Fig. 5.2:  
A metre scale
5.2 Standard Units
Several systems of units evolved with time in 
different parts of the world. However , when 
people started travelling from one place to 
another, it created a lot of confusion. This led 
to the different countries coming together 
and adopting a set of standard units of 
measurement. The system of units now used is 
known as the ‘International System of Units’ or 
SI units. 
The SI unit of length is metre. Its symbol 
is  m. A metre scale is shown in Fig. 5.2. One 
metre (m) is divided into 100 equal divisions. 
Each division is called a centimetre (cm). You 
may be familiar with a smaller part of the 
metre scale, typically 15 cm long, shown in 
Fig. 5.3.
Look carefully at the 15-cm scale. It has 
markings (in  cm) from 0 to 15. The length 
of any section between two consecutive big 
marks, such as between 1 and 2 or between 
5 and 6, is 1  cm. Observe that these sections 
Chapter 5.indd   82 10-07-2024   14:29:13
Measurement of Length and Motion
83
Fig. 5.3: A 15-cm scale
of 1  cm length are further divided 
into 10 equal parts. The length of 
one of these smaller parts is called 
a millimetre (mm). 1 mm is the 
smallest value of length that you 
can measure using this scale. 1 mm 
is equal to one-tenth of a centimeter 
(1 mm = 0.1 cm).
For measuring larger lengths, we 
use a larger unit called a kilometre 
(km) which is equal to 1000 metres. 
And for measuring smaller lengths, 
we use units such as centimetre or 
millimetre. 
1 km = 1000 m 1 m = 100 cm 1 cm = 10 mm
Would it be convenient to use 
the unit metre to measure 
larger lengths, such as the 
length of a railway track 
between two cities, or to 
measure smaller lengths, 
such as the thickness of a 
page of a book?
?
In some scales, you might have noticed another scale 
marking. This scale marking is in inches, where  
1 inch = 2.54 cm. In earlier days, units, such as inch and foot, 
were used to measure length. These units are still used by 
some people.
Do you 
know?
Chapter 5.indd   83 10-07-2024   14:29:23