Measuring
Grade 3 · Math
Explore numbers, spot patterns and explain how you worked it out.
Choose a game
Take your time, try a game and collect stars.
12-hour and 24-hour clock
Match a.m. and p.m. times to the 24-hour clock, from 00:05 to 23:50.
Play 12-hour and 24-hour clockPerimeter
Add up the sides to find the perimeter of rectangles, squares and triangles.
Play PerimeterDays in each month and leap years
Which months have 30 days and which have 31? Sort the months in this
Play Days in each month and leap yearsArea by counting squares
Count squares to find the area of rectangles and L-shapes in cm².
Play Area by counting squares
Learning about measuring
These Grade 3 Math games practice 12-hour and 24-hour clock, Perimeter, Days in each month and leap years, Area by counting squares. Choose a game above for a short activity, or explore the examples below before you play. The full guide for each game explains its controls, gives more examples and includes a free printable for practice away from the screen.
Talk it through
Use counters, a drawing or a number line before moving to a mental method. Ask your child to explain a choice, then change one number and try the method again.
Ask: “How could you show the same answer another way?” Give your child time to explain. Return to an example after playing and ask whether they would approach it differently.
12-hour and 24-hour clock
In this game children match 12-hour times to the same time on a 24-hour clock, from 00:05 just after midnight to 23:50 late in the evening. Matching both ways builds the habit of adding or taking away 12 for afternoon and evening times.
Try an example: What is 4:45 p.m. on a 24-hour clock?
p.m., so 4 + 12 = 16.
Show the answer
16:45
What to look out for
Writing 3:15 p.m. as 13:15. Add 12, not 10: 3 + 12 = 15.
Perimeter
In this game children find the perimeter of rectangles, squares and triangles. The lengths are given in centimeters, and every answer comes with the working, so children can see how the sides were added.
Try an example: What is the perimeter of a rectangle 6 cm by 4 cm?
6 + 4 + 6 + 4 = 20.
Show the answer
20 cm
What to look out for
Adding only the two numbers shown on a rectangle. A rectangle has 4 sides. Write the missing two lengths on before adding.
Days in each month and leap years
In this game children sort the twelve months into those with 31 days, those with 30 days, and February, which has 28 days, or 29 in a leap year. A leap year comes about every four years: 2024 and 2028 are leap years.
Try an example: How many days are there in September?
September is one of the four 30-day months.
Show the answer
30
What to look out for
Thinking every month has 30 days. Only four months have 30. Learn the rhyme: '30 days has September, April, June and November.'
Area by counting squares
In this game children find the area of rectangles and L-shapes drawn on squared paper, where each square is 1 cm². Counting in rows, rather than one square at a time, is quicker and more accurate.
Try an example: A rectangle 3 squares tall and 4 wide. Each square is 1 cm².
3 rows of 4 = 12.
Show the answer
12 cm²
What to look out for
Finding the perimeter instead of the area. Perimeter is the distance round the edge. Area is the squares inside.
Practice away from the screen
- Look at the clock on the cooker or a phone set to 24-hour time.
- Measure round a book, a table or a photo frame with a tape measure.
- Look at a calendar together and check how many days each month has.
- Count the tiles on a floor or wall and work out the area in tiles.
Curriculum connections
12-hour and 24-hour clock
Enrichment: the 24-hour clock is not part of Common Core, but it is used on timetables and devices around the world.
Perimeter
Supports part of Common Core 3.MD.D.8: finding the perimeter of polygons from their side lengths. This focused game does not cover the entire standard.
Common Core connection: 3.MD.D.8. This is focused practice for part of the standard.
Days in each month and leap years
Calendar enrichment, not a Common Core standard.
Area by counting squares
Supports part of Common Core 3.MD.C.6: measuring areas by counting unit squares (square cm). This focused game does not cover the entire standard.
Common Core connection: 3.MD.C.6. This is focused practice for part of the standard.
Questions families ask
Where should we start with measuring?
Start with 12-hour and 24-hour clock. Look at the worked example together, then try a round. If the task feels unfamiliar, use the full game guide or its free printable before trying again.
Does this cover everything taught at this level?
No. These games provide focused practice. Grade suggestions do not replace your school’s curriculum, and any Common Core connection applies only to the skill described.