Measuring Area: Informal & Formal Units Worksheets is the perfect go-to resource for helping students build and consolidate their understanding of area using a variety of approaches. Whether you’re just introducing the topic or looking for ways to differentiate and extend learning, this printable set has you covered!

These engaging worksheets give students the opportunity to practise measuring area using both informal units (like grid squares) and formal measurements (like centimetres using a ruler). With three levels of challenge included, this resource makes it easy to cater to different abilities in your classroom while staying focused on the same concept.

Students will count squares to determine area, compare shapes by estimating and measuring, calculate area based on labelled side lengths, draw their own shapes to meet a given area, and even solve real-world word problems that bring measurement into a practical context. Whether working independently, in pairs, or as part of a targeted small group, your students will be developing essential skills and mathematical reasoning every step of the way.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Measure area using both formal and informal units
• ✅ Count square units to determine the area of regular and irregular shapes
• ✅ Use a ruler to measure and calculate the area of given shapes
• ✅ Estimate, compare, and calculate areas using various strategies
• ✅ Solve simple word problems involving area

What’s Included:

• Three differentiated worksheets targeting a range of ability levels
• Activities include shape comparison, drawing, estimation and word problems
• Tasks that support visual learning and build hands-on measurement fluency
• Annotated answer sheets for easy marking or guided feedback

Materials Needed:

• Printed worksheets (paper or card stock depending on your preference)
• Pencils and erasers
• Rulers for measuring sides of shapes
• Optional: coloured pencils for shading areas or drawing new shapes
• Clipboard or desk mat for comfortable workspace during hands-on tasks

How to Use:

1. Choose the worksheet level best suited to your students’ current understanding.
2. Hand out individually or assign as part of a maths rotation station.
3. Guide students through the first question or model a strategy if needed.
4. Encourage students to show their thinking through drawings or calculations.
5. Use the answer sheets to support group correction, teacher marking, or peer review.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use during your measurement unit as a consolidation task
• 💡 Include in your weekly maths contract or homework pack
• 💡 Assign different versions to support differentiated small group instruction
• 💡 Laminate the pages and use whiteboard markers to create a reusable version
• 💡 Display student-drawn shapes with labels as part of a working wall on area

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Have a ruler and square grid reference poster nearby to support students
• 💛 Encourage estimation before measuring to develop number sense and reasoning
• 💛 Use this task as a quick formative assessment by observing how students approach unfamiliar problems
• 💛 Pair students to compare answers and discuss different ways to solve each task

Measuring Area: Informal & Formal Units Worksheets offer a no-prep, low-stress way to bring measurement practise into your classroom—whether you're working on the basics or ready to push into more complex applications.

This resource is a perfect match for our Measuring Area & Perimeter Posters – the perfect pair for visual support and reference!