Comparing Length and Height

Before we can measure anything, we first need to compare — is one thing bigger, smaller, or the same as another? The words we use depend on how we look at the objects!

Length vs height — what's the difference?

• Length is measured from side to side — left to right. Example: how long a pencil is.
• Height is measured from bottom to top — up and down. Example: how tall a tree is.
• Use longer / shorter for length; use taller / shorter for height.

The golden rule — always line them up!

• To compare fairly, start both objects at the same baseline — the same left edge or the same bottom edge.
• If you don't line them up, your comparison will be wrong.
• Example: stand two crayons next to each other on a flat table, then look which one sticks up higher.

Comparison words to know

• Taller — reaches higher up. The giraffe is taller than the dog.
• Shorter — does not reach as high (or as far). The dog is shorter than the giraffe.
• Longer — stretches further from end to end. The river is longer than the road.
• Same height / same length — both objects are equal.