10 times table in real life: metric measuring

Quick answer

Learning outcome

• You can multiply any number by 10 and know the answer quickly
• You can explain how 10 cm = 1 m, 100 cm = 1 m, and 1000 mm = 1 m
• You can solve simple problems using the 10 times table in real-life measuring
• You can use the 10 times table to check if your measurements make sense

Why this matters

How it works

• 1 metre = 100 centimetres
• 1 centimetre = 10 millimetres
• 1 metre = 1000 millimetres

Examples you can see

• 1 metre = 100 centimetres
• 3 metres = 3 × 100 = 300 centimetres

• 1 centimetre = 10 millimetres
• 15 centimetres = 15 × 10 = 150 millimetres

• 1 metre = 1000 millimetres
• 2 metres = 2 × 1000 = 2000 millimetres

Try it as a mini adventure

1. First, measure your bed. It is 2 metres long. How many centimetres is that?
2. Next, measure a bookshelf. It is 1.5 metres tall. How many centimetres is that?
3. Then, measure a small toy car. It is 4 centimetres long. How many millimetres is that?
4. Finally, measure the width of your door. It is 0.8 metres wide. How many millimetres is that?

1. 2 × 100 = 200 centimetres
2. 1.5 × 100 = 150 centimetres
3. 4 × 10 = 40 millimetres
4. 0.8 × 1000 = 800 millimetres

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Thinking 10 × 10 = 1000 instead of 100
  Why it happens: Confusing multiplication with addition or counting by 10s too quickly
  Fix: Use repeated addition: 10 + 10 = 20, then 20 + 10 = 30, and so on. Or count on your fingers in groups of 10
• Mistake: Mixing up centimetres and millimetres
  Why it happens: Not remembering that 10 mm = 1 cm
  Fix: Use a ruler to see how many millimetres fit in 1 cm. Then, 10 × 10 = 100 mm
• Mistake: Forgetting that 1 m = 100 cm
  Why it happens: Not connecting the 10 times table to real-life size
  Fix: Use a metre stick or tape measure and count 100 centimetres to make 1 metre

Parent and carer guide

• Using a metre stick or measuring tape to show how 10 cm = 100 mm
• Playing a quick game: say a number, and ask your child to multiply it by 10
• Using everyday items like a pencil (10 cm), a book (20 cm), or a door (2 m) to show how the 10 times table works
• Encouraging your child to count in 10s as they walk or move around
• Not worrying if they make mistakes – they’re learning!

Practice questions

1. How many centimetres are in 5 metres?
2. How many millimetres are in 3 centimetres?
3. How many millimetres are in 1.2 metres?
4. How many centimetres are in 0.7 metres?
5. How many millimetres are in 4.5 metres?

1. 5 × 100 = 500 cm
2. 3 × 10 = 30 mm
3. 1.2 × 1000 = 1200 mm
4. 0.7 × 100 = 70 cm
5. 4.5 × 1000 = 4500 mm

FAQ

What is the 10 times table?

The 10 times table is a list of numbers that you get when you multiply any number by 10. For example, 1 × 10 = 10, 2 × 10 = 20, 3 × 10 = 30, and so on.

Why is the 10 times table helpful in measuring?

The 10 times table helps us change between different units of measurement, like metres to centimetres or centimetres to millimetres. It’s like a shortcut to understand how big things really are.

How do I remember that 1 metre = 100 centimetres?

Think of it like this: 100 is 10 × 10. So, 100 centimetres = 10 × 10 centimetres = 100 cm. That means 100 cm = 1 m.

Can I use the 10 times table for anything else?

Yes! The 10 times table helps with money (like 10p × 5 = 50p), counting, and even helping you understand how far you’ve walked or run!

What if I get confused between centimetres and millimetres?

Remember: 1 cm = 10 mm. So if you have 4 cm, that’s 4 × 10 = 40 mm. Use a ruler to help you see how many millimetres fit in 1 cm.