Where can I download free reading scales PDF worksheets with answers?

On this MathsLinks page you can download free printable reading scales PDF worksheets (Qs) and full worked solutions or mark schemes (Ans) from Corbett Practice, Corbett Textbook, Maths DIY, Dr Frost, Maths Takeaway, plus a printable one-page reading scales revision guide.

What GCSE grade is reading scales (2M)?

Reading scales (topic code 2M) is a Grade 2 geometry topic in GCSE Maths for Edexcel, AQA, OCR, Eduqas and IGCSE specifications.

Free Reading scales Worksheets (PDF) with Answers — GCSE Maths

Free Reading scales PDF Worksheets & Answers

Grade 2 • Topic 2M

Resource	Questions	Answers
Corbett Practice Practice Questions & answers	Qs	Ans
Corbett Textbook Textbook Exercise & answers	Qs	Ans
Maths DIY Exam-style booklet & solutions	Qs	Ans
Dr Frost GCSE worksheet & solutions	Qs	Ans
Maths Takeaway GCSE Maths Takeaway exam questions	Qs	Ans
Maths4EveryOne KS2 SATs questions & solutions	Qs	Ans
PMT (Edxl) Edexcel GCSE topic questions & solutions	Qs	Ans
PMT (AQA) AQA GCSE topic questions & solutions	Qs	Ans
PMT (IGCSE) Edexcel IGCSE topic questions & solutions	Qs	Ans

Grade 2 topics
2A - Calculation problems	2B - Using a calculator
2C - Systematic listing	2D - Fraction of an amount
2E - FDP	2F - Simplifying algebra
2G - Writing an expression	2H - Function machines
2J - Solving one step equations	2K - Angles
2L - Area and perimeter	2M - Reading scales
2N - Probability & Probability Scale	2P - Frequency polygons
2Q - Unitary method	2R - Bar charts
2S - Pie charts	2T - Averages
2U - Stem and leaf diagrams

Explanation:

To read any scale accurately, never guess what each small mark goes up in. First find the difference between two neighbouring numbered marks, then count the number of spaces (divisions) between them (count the gaps, not the tick lines).

Divide the difference by the number of gaps: 1 small division = Gap ÷ Number of spaces. Also check whether the question asks you to convert units (e.g. 1 kg = 1000 g, 1 litre = 1000 ml).

Example 1: Write down the reading shown by the arrow on this kitchen scale.

• Gap = 300 − 200 = 100 g split into 5 spaces

• Each division = 100 ÷ 5 = 20 g

• 3 divisions past 200 g = 200 + 60 = 260 g

Example 2: A jug has 10 divisions between 1.5 L and 2.0 L. Water is 7 divisions above 1.5 L. Find the volume in L and ml.

• 1 division = (2.0 − 1.5) ÷ 10 = 0.05 L (50 ml)

• Reading = 1.5 + 7 × 0.05 = 1.85 L (1850 ml)

Scanned GCSE Exam Questions & Worked Solutions

GCSE Past Paper Reading scales Questions & Answers

10-Question Interactive Quiz More Past Paper Questions

Past Paper Example 1 IGCSE Jun 2023 2FR Q2 4 marks

Full Paper (PDF) • Mark Scheme (PDF)

Here is a solid shape.

(a) Write down the number of edges of this shape. [1 mark]

(b) On the grid below, draw a shape that is congruent to shape T [1 mark]

(d) Write down the weight marked by the arrow. [1 mark]

Worked Solution & Mark Scheme (4 marks)

Part (a) Solution:

4 base edges + 4 slant edges = 8 B1

Answer (a): 8

Part (b) Solution:

Congruent triangle drawn on grid

Answer (b): Congruent triangle drawn on grid

Part (c) Solution:

Order 2 B1

Answer (c): 2

Part (d) Solution:

Each division is 20 kg, 2 divisions past 200 = 240 kg B1

Answer (d): 240 kilograms

Past Paper Example 2 IGCSE Jun 2022 1F Q4 4 marks

Full Paper (PDF) • Mark Scheme (PDF)

Here is a polygon.

(a) Write down the mathematical name of this polygon. [1 mark]

(b) On the scale, mark with an arrow (↑) the number 360 [1 mark]

(d) Complete the following sentence by writing a suitable metric unit on the dotted line. [1 mark]

Worked Solution & Mark Scheme (4 marks)

Part (a) Solution:

5 sides = pentagon B1

Answer (a): Pentagon

Part (b) Solution:

Each division is 20, so 360 is 3 divisions past 300 B1

Answer (b): Arrow at 360 (3 divisions after 300)

Part (c) Solution:

1:45 B1

Answer (c): 1:45 (or quarter to 2)

Part (d) Solution:

centimetres B1

Answer (d): centimetres (or cm)

Past Paper Example 3 Eduqas Nov 2019 1F Q2 3 marks

Full Paper (PDF) • Mark Scheme (PDF)

(a) The diagram shows a fair spinner for a simple game.
Rhian needs to score 7 or more with a single spin to win the game.
On the probability scale below, mark with an arrow the probability that Rhian wins the game.
(b) Tomas is playing a game with a different fair spinner.
Here is the shape of his spinner.
The arrow on the probability scale below shows the probability that Tomas scores less than 4 with one spin.
Write five numbers on Tomas' spinner so that the scale is correct.
(c) Simon is playing a game.
The probability that he wins the game is (0.7).
What is the probability that Simon does not win his game?

(a) The diagram shows a fair spinner for a simple game.
Rhian needs to score 7 or more with a single spin to win the game. [1 mark]

On the probability scale below, mark with an arrow the probability that Rhian wins the game.

(b) Tomas is playing a game with a different fair spinner.
Here is the shape of his spinner.
The arrow on the probability scale below shows the probability that Tomas scores less than 4 with one spin.
Write five numbers on Tomas' spinner so that the scale is correct. [1 mark]

(c) Simon is playing a game. The probability that he wins the game is (0.7).
What is the probability that Simon does not win his game? [1 mark]

Worked Solution & Mark Scheme (3 marks)

Part (a) Solution:

Scores 7 or more are 7 and 8 (2 outcomes out of 8).
Probability = 28 = 14. B1

Answer (a): Arrow marked at 2/8 (or 1/4)

Part (b) Solution:

The arrow on the scale indicates 25
Therefore, exactly 2 of the 5 numbers on the spinner must be less than 4. B1

Answer (b): Any five numbers where exactly 2 are less than 4 (e.g. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6)

Part (c) Solution:

(1 - 0.7 = 0.3) B1

Answer (c): 0.3

← 2L Area and perimeter

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Reading scales

Free Reading scales PDF Worksheets & Answers

Guide to Reading scales: Explanation, Diagrams & Worked Examples

GCSE Past Paper Reading scales Questions & Answers