- Definition
Relative size means comparing how big something is to something else, like saying one toy car is bigger than another.
A kilometer is a large unit of length relative to a meter, but a small unit relative to the distance to the moon.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Relative size is like noticing your shoe is much smaller than your dad's shoe, but bigger than a baby's shoe.
Ask your child: Is a school bus bigger or smaller than a car?
Common mix-up: Kids may think 'big' is a fixed size. Relative size means an object is only 'big' or 'small' when you compare it to something else.
Examples
- The number 100 is large relative to 10, but small relative to 1,000.
- A gallon is a large unit of volume compared to a cup.
- A house cat is small relative to a lion.
relative size is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
