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Customary Measurements
You can use the following benchmarks to help
you understand fluid ounces, tons, and other
customary units of measure.
Customary Unit
Length
Weight
Capacity
Inch (in.)
Length of a small paper clip
Foot (ft)
Length of a standard sheet of paper
Mile (mi)
Length of 4 laps around a track
Ounce (oz)
Weight of a slice of bread
Pound (lb)
Weight of 3 apples
Ton
Weight of a buffalo
Fluid ounce (fl oz) Amount of water in 2 tablespoons
Cup (c)
Gallon (gal)
Capacity of a standard measuring cup
Capacity of a large milk jug
Additional Example 1: Choosing the Appropriate
Customary Unit
Choose the most appropriate customary unit for
each measurement. Justify your answer.
A. the weight of a car
tons; The weight of a car is similar to the weight
of a buffalo.
B. the diameter of a soup can
inches; The diameter of a soup can is similar to
the length of a few paper clips.
C. the weight of a newborn baby
pounds; The weight of a newborn baby is similar
to the weight of more than a dozen apples.
Check It Out: Example 1
Choose the most appropriate customary unit for
each measurement. Justify your answer.
A. the length of a pen top
B. the weight of a pitcher of juice
C. the capacity of a jar of peanut butter
Additional Example 2: Converting Customary
Units
Convert 5,000 pounds to tons.
Method 1: Use a proportion.
Write a proportion using a ratio of equivalent
measures.
pounds
tons
2,000 = 5,000
mx
1
2,000 • x = 1 • 5,000
2000x = 5,000
x = 2.5
5,000 pounds is equal to 2.5 tons.
Additional Example 2 Continued
Convert 5,000 pounds to tons.
Method 2: Multiply by 1.
Multiply by a ratio equal to 1, and cancel the
units.
5,000 lb = 5,000 lb  1 ton t
m 1
2,000 lb
= 5,000 
1 ton t
2,000
= 2.5 tons
5,000 pounds is equal to 2.5 tons.
Check It Out: Example 2
Convert 24 pints to cups.
Method 1: Use a proportion.
Write a proportion using a ratio of equivalent
measures.
Method 2: Multiply by 1.
Multiply by a ratio equal to 1, and cancel the
units.
Additional Example 3: Adding or Subtracting
Mixed Units of Measure
Allison orders a 6-ounce grilled chicken
sandwich. Dominic orders a quarter-pound
grilled chicken sandwich. Which sandwich
weighs more? Explain.
First convert a quarter-pound to ounces.
ounces
pounds
16 = x
0.25
1
Write a proportion using
16 oz = 1 lb.
x = 4 oz
Allison’s sandwich weighs more because
Dominic’s sandwich is only 4 oz.
Check It Out: Example 3
Tedd and Fergie go the hardware store to
purchase a bag of nails. Tedd buys a bag of
nails that weighs 7 pounds 8 ounces. Fergie
buys a bag of nails that weighs 128 ounces.
Which bag of nails weighs more? Explain.