Measure vs. Size — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 14, 2024
Measure refers to the process of quantifying physical quantities, using various tools or standards; size is a specific dimension or magnitude of an object, often measured in units like inches or meters.
Difference Between Measure and Size
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Measure involves determining the dimensions, capacity, or quantity of something using specific tools or units, such as a ruler or a weighing scale. Size, on the other hand, denotes the actual dimensions or extent of an object, often specified in terms of length, width, or height.
In measuring, one might use a variety of instruments depending on the attribute being quantified, such as a tape measure for length or a cup for volume. Whereas size is typically a straightforward numeric expression, such as a shoe size 10 or a 15-inch laptop screen.
When discussing apparel, measure can involve several body measurements to ensure a good fit, whereas size often refers to a standardized category, such as small, medium, or large.
In construction, the measure could entail the use of several measuring tools to accurately set out dimensions. Size in this context often refers to pre-determined dimensions of materials, like sheets of plywood or lengths of timber.
In culinary settings, measure is critical for ingredient proportions, using tools like measuring spoons and cups, whereas size might refer to the size of a pot or pan used, impacting the cooking process.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Process of quantifying or determining
Specific dimensions or magnitude
Tools/Units
Ruler, scale, measuring tape, cup
Inches, meters, centimeters, sizes (S, M, L)
Application
Construction, cooking, tailoring
Clothing, devices, containers
Importance in Usage
Accuracy is crucial for functionality
Determines fit, storage, space utilization
Example of Variable Measured
Volume, length, weight, area
Width, height, depth
Compare with Definitions
Measure
Determining the length of an object.
He used a tape measure to determine the width of the window.
Size
The dimensions of a room.
The size of the bedroom is 12x15 feet.
Measure
Assessing the volume of a liquid.
He measured two cups of water for the recipe.
Size
The total length of an object.
The size of the table is 2 meters long.
Measure
Recording the temperature of an environment.
The thermometer measured 22 degrees Celsius.
Size
The capacity of a container.
The size of this bottle is 500 milliliters.
Measure
Calculating the weight of a substance.
She measured the flour to make sure the cake would rise properly.
Size
The magnitude of an event or group.
The size of the crowd was estimated to be over a thousand.
Measure
Estimating the area of a space.
They measured the floor space to see if the new carpet would fit.
Size
The scale of a project.
The size of the renovation was larger than initially planned.
Measure
A reference standard or sample used for the quantitative comparison of properties
The standard kilogram is maintained as a measure of mass.
Size
Size in general is the magnitude or dimensions of a thing. More specifically, geometrical size (or spatial size) can refer to linear dimensions (length, width, height, diameter, perimeter), area, or volume.
Measure
A unit specified by a scale, such as an inch, or by variable conditions, such as a day's march.
Size
The relative extent of something; a thing's overall dimensions or magnitude; how big something is
A forest the size of Wales
Firms of all sizes
The schools varied in size
Measure
A system of measurement, such as the metric system.
Size
Each of the classes, typically numbered, into which garments or other articles are divided according to how large they are
I can never find anything in my size
Measure
The dimensions, quantity, or capacity of something as ascertained by comparison with a standard
Curtains made to measure.
Took his measure for the suit jacket.
Size
A gelatinous solution used in glazing paper, stiffening textiles, and preparing plastered walls for decoration.
Measure
A device used for measuring.
Size
Alter or sort in terms of size or according to size
Twist drills are sized in millimetres
Measure
The act of measuring
By measure the picture was four feet tall.
Size
Estimate or measure something's dimensions
She was trying to size up a room with a tape measure
Measure
An evaluation or a basis of comparison
"the final measure of the worth of a society" (Joseph Wood Krutch).
Size
Treat with size to glaze or stiffen
Paper will adhere to sized walls better
Measure
Extent or degree
The problem was in large measure caused by his carelessness.
Size
Having a specified size; sized
Marble-size chunks of hail
Measure
A definite quantity that has been measured out
A measure of wine.
Size
The physical dimensions, proportions, magnitude, or extent of an object.
Measure
A fitting amount
A measure of recognition.
Size
Any of a series of graduated categories of dimension whereby manufactured articles, such as shoes and clothing, are classified.
Measure
A limited amount or degree
A measure of goodwill.
Size
Considerable extent, amount, or dimensions
A debt of enormous size.
Measure
Limit; bounds
Generosity knowing no measure.
Size
Relative amount or number, as of population or contents
What size is Cleveland?.
Measure
Appropriate restraint; moderation
"The union of ... fervor with measure, passion with correctness, this surely is the ideal" (William James).
Size
Character, value, or status with reference to relative importance or the capacity to meet given requirements
Try this proposal on for size.
Measure
An action taken as a means to an end; an expedient
Measures taken to improve energy efficiency.
Size
The actual state of affairs
That's about the size of the situation.
Measure
A law or ballot initiative adopted by a legislature as a remedy for a problem.
Size
Any of several gelatinous or glutinous substances usually made from glue, wax, or clay and used as a glaze or filler for porous materials such as paper, cloth, or wall surfaces.
Measure
Poetic meter.
Size
To arrange, classify, or distribute according to size.
Measure
(Music) The metric unit between two bars on the staff; a bar.
Size
To make, cut, or shape to a required size.
Measure
To ascertain the dimensions, quantity, or capacity of
Measured the height of the ceiling.
Size
To treat or coat with size or a similar substance.
Measure
To mark, lay out, or establish dimensions for by measuring
Measure off an area.
Size
Sized. Often used in combination
Bite-size appetizers.
An economy-size package.
Measure
To mark off or apportion, usually with reference to a given unit of measurement
Measure out a pint of milk.
Size
An assize.
Measure
To allot or distribute as if by measuring; mete
The revolutionary tribunal measured out harsh justice.
Size
(obsolete) A regulation determining the amount of money paid in fees, taxes etc.
Measure
To estimate by evaluation or comparison
"I gave them an account ... of the situation as far as I could measure it" (Winston S. Churchill).
Size
(obsolete) A fixed standard for the magnitude, quality, quantity etc. of goods, especially food and drink.
Measure
To bring into comparison
She measured her power with that of a dangerous adversary.
Size
The dimensions or magnitude of a thing; how big something is.
The size of the building seemed to have increased since I was last there.
Measure
To serve as a measure of
The inch measures length.
Size
(obsolete) A regulation, piece of ordinance.
Measure
To consider or choose with care; weigh
He measures his words with caution.
Size
A specific set of dimensions for a manufactured article, especially clothing.
I don't think we have the red one in your size.
Measure
(Archaic) To travel over
"We must measure twenty miles today" (Shakespeare).
Size
(graph theory) A number of edges in a graph.
Measure
To be of a specific measurement
The room measures 12 by 20 feet.
Size
Degree of rank, ability, character, etc.
Measure
To take a measurement.
Size
An instrument consisting of a number of perforated gauges fastened together at one end by a rivet, used for measuring the size of pearls
Measure
To allow of measurement
White sugar measures more easily than brown.
Size
A thin, weak glue used as primer for paper or canvas intended to be painted upon.
Measure
A prescribed quantity or extent.
Size
Wallpaper paste.
Measure
(obsolete) Moderation, temperance.
Size
The thickened crust on coagulated blood.
Measure
A limit that cannot be exceeded; a bound. (Now chiefly in set phrases.)
Size
Any viscous substance, such as gilder's varnish.
Measure
An (unspecified) portion or quantity.
Size
(transitive) To adjust the size of; to make a certain size.
Measure
The act or result of measuring.
Size
(transitive) To classify or arrange by size.
Measure
A receptacle or vessel of a standard size, capacity etc. as used to deal out specific quantities of some substance.
A measure of salt
Size
(military) To take the height of men, in order to place them in the ranks according to their stature.
Measure
A standard against which something can be judged; a criterion.
Honesty is the true measure of a man.
Size
(mining) To sift (pieces of ore or metal) in order to separate the finer from the coarser parts.
Measure
Any of various standard units of capacity.
The villagers paid a tithe of a thousand measures of corn.
Size
To approximate the dimensions, estimate the size of.
Measure
A unit of measurement.
Size
(intransitive) To take a greater size; to increase in size.
Measure
The size of someone or something, as ascertained by measuring. (Now chiefly in make to measure.)
Size
To order food or drink from the buttery; hence, to enter a score, as upon the buttery book.
Measure
The act or process of measuring.
Size
To swell; to increase the bulk of.
Measure
A ruler, measuring stick, or graduated tape used to take measurements.
Size
(transitive) To apply glue or other primer to a surface which is to be painted.
Measure
A number which is contained in a given number a number of times without a remainder; a divisor or factor.
The greatest common measure of two or more numbers
Size
Six.
Measure
(geology) A bed or stratum.
Coal measures; lead measures
Size
A thin, weak glue used in various trades, as in painting, bookbinding, paper making, etc.
Measure
(mathematics) A function that assigns a non-negative number to a given set following the mathematical nature that is common among length, volume, probability and the like.
Size
Any viscous substance, as gilder's varnish.
Measure
Metrical rhythm.
Size
A settled quantity or allowance. See Assize.
Measure
A melody.
Size
An allowance of food and drink from the buttery, aside from the regular dinner at commons; - corresponding to battel at Oxford.
Measure
A dance.
Size
Extent of superficies or volume; bulk; bigness; magnitude; as, the size of a tree or of a mast; the size of a ship or of a rock.
Measure
(poetry) The manner of ordering and combining the quantities, or long and short syllables; meter; rhythm; hence, a metrical foot.
A poem in iambic measure
Size
Figurative bulk; condition as to rank, ability, character, etc.; as, the office demands a man of larger size.
Men of a less size and quality.
The middling or lower size of people.
Measure
(music) A musical designation consisting of all notes and or rests delineated by two vertical bars; an equal and regular division of the whole of a composition; a bar.
Size
A conventional relative measure of dimension, as for shoes, gloves, and other articles made up for sale.
Measure
A course of action.
Size
An instrument consisting of a number of perforated gauges fastened together at one end by a rivet, - used for ascertaining the size of pearls.
Measure
(in plural) Actions designed to achieve some purpose; plans.
Size
To cover with size; to prepare with size.
Measure
A piece of legislation.
Size
To fix the standard of.
Measure
To ascertain the quantity of a unit of material via calculated comparison with respect to a standard.
We measured the temperature with a thermometer.
You should measure the angle with a spirit level.
Size
To adjust or arrange according to size or bulk.
Measure
(stative) To be of (a certain size), to have (a certain measurement)
The window measured two square feet.
Size
To swell; to increase the bulk of.
Measure
To estimate the unit size of something.
I measure that at 10 centimetres.
Size
To bring or adjust anything exactly to a required dimension, as by cutting.
We had to size up our fellow legislators.
Measure
To judge, value, or appraise.
Size
To take greater size; to increase in size.
Our desires give them fashion, and so,As they wax lesser, fall, as they size, grow.
Measure
To obtain or set apart; to mark in even increments.
Size
To order food or drink from the buttery; hence, to enter a score, as upon the buttery book.
Measure
(rare) To traverse, cross, pass along; to travel over.
Size
The physical magnitude of something (how big it is);
A wolf is about the size of a large dog
Measure
To adjust by a rule or standard.
Size
The property resulting from being one of a series of graduated measurements (as of clothing);
He wears a size 13 shoe
Measure
To allot or distribute by measure; to set off or apart by measure; often with out or off.
Size
Any glutinous material used to fill pores in surfaces or to stiffen fabrics;
Size gives body to a fabric
Measure
A standard of dimension; a fixed unit of quantity or extent; an extent or quantity in the fractions or multiples of which anything is estimated and stated; hence, a rule by which anything is adjusted or judged.
Size
The actual state of affairs;
That's the size of the situation
She hates me, that's about the size of it
Measure
An instrument by means of which size or quantity is measured, as a graduated line, rod, vessel, or the like.
False ells and measures be brought all clean adown.
Size
A large magnitude;
He blanched when he saw the size of the bill
The only city of any size in that area
Measure
The dimensions or capacity of anything, reckoned according to some standard; size or extent, determined and stated; estimated extent; as, to take one's measure for a coat.
The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.
Size
Cover or stiffen or glaze a porous material with size or sizing (a glutinous substance)
Measure
The contents of a vessel by which quantity is measured; a quantity determined by a standard; a stated or limited quantity or amount.
It is like leaven which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal.
Size
Sort according to size
Measure
Extent or degree not excessive or beyong bounds; moderation; due restraint; esp. in the phrases, in measure; with measure; without or beyond measure.
Hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure.
Size
Make to a size; bring to a suitable size
Measure
Determined extent, not to be exceeded; limit; allotted share, as of action, influence, ability, or the like; due proportion.
Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days.
Size
(used in combination) sized;
The economy-size package
Average-size house
Measure
The quantity determined by measuring, especially in buying and selling; as, to give good or full measure.
Measure
Undefined quantity; extent; degree.
There is a great measure of discretion to be used in the performance of confession.
Measure
Regulated division of movement
Measure
A number which is contained in a given number a number of times without a remainder; as in the phrases, the common measure, the greatest common measure, etc., of two or more numbers; a denominator. See common denominator under denominator.
Measure
A step or definite part of a progressive course or policy; a means to an end; an act designed for the accomplishment of an object; as, political measures; prudent measures; an inefficient measure.
His majesty found what wrong measures he had taken in the conferring that trust, and lamented his error.
Measure
The act of measuring; measurement.
Measure
Beds or strata; as, coal measures; lead measures.
Say to her, we have measured many milesTo tread a measure with her on this grass.
Measure
To ascertain by use of a measuring instrument; to compute or ascertain the extent, quantity, dimensions, or capacity of, by a certain rule or standard; to take the dimensions of; hence, to estimate; to judge of; to value; to appraise.
Great are thy works, Jehovah, infiniteThy power! what thought can measure thee?
Measure
To serve as the measure of; as, the thermometer measures changes of temperature.
Measure
To pass throught or over in journeying, as if laying off and determining the distance.
A true devoted pilgrim is not wearyTo measure kingdoms with his feeble steps.
Measure
To adjust by a rule or standard.
To secure a contented spirit, measure your desires by your fortunes, not your fortunes by your desires.
Measure
To allot or distribute by measure; to set off or apart by measure; - often with out or off.
With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
That portion of eternity which is called time, measured out by the sun.
Measure
To make a measurement or measurements.
Measure
To result, or turn out, on measuring; as, the grain measures well; the pieces measure unequally.
Measure
To be of a certain size or quantity, or to have a certain length, breadth, or thickness, or a certain capacity according to a standard measure; as, cloth measures three fourths of a yard; a tree measures three feet in diameter.
Measure
The act or process of measuring;
The measurements were carefully done
His mental measurings proved remarkably accurate
Measure
A basis for comparison; a reference point against which other things can be evaluated;
They set the measure for all subsequent work
Measure
How much there is of something that you can quantify
Measure
Any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal;
The situation called for strong measures
The police took steps to reduce crime
Measure
A statute in draft before it becomes law;
They held a public hearing on the bill
Measure
(prosody) the accent in a metrical foot of verse
Measure
Musical notation for a repeating pattern of musical beats;
The orchestra omitted the last twelve bars of the song
Measure
Measuring instrument having a sequence of marks at regular intervals; used as a reference in making measurements
Measure
Determine the measurements of something or somebody, take measurements of;
Measure the length of the wall
Measure
Express as a number or measure or quantity;
Can you quantify your results?
Measure
Have certain dimensions;
This table surfaces measures 20inches by 36 inches
Measure
Place a value on; judge the worth of something;
I will have the family jewels appraised by a professional
Common Curiosities
How does size affect clothing?
Size determines the fit of clothing and is typically marked as small, medium, or large.
Can measure and size be used interchangeably?
No, measure and size serve different purposes; measure is a process, while size is a static attribute.
What does "measure" typically involve?
Measure involves using tools to determine quantitative attributes of objects or substances.
What does "size" typically refer to?
Size refers to the overall dimensions or magnitude of an object.
What role does size play in electronics?
Size determines the portability and screen space of devices like laptops and phones.
What is an example of measuring temperature?
Using a thermometer to check the temperature of a room.
How is measure used in cooking?
In cooking, measure is used to ensure precise proportions of ingredients.
Why is accurate measuring important in construction?
Accurate measuring ensures structures are built correctly and safely.
What size is considered large for clothing?
This varies by brand, but generally, large is designed for adults of above-average build.
Is measure important in sports?
Yes, measure is crucial for defining boundaries and distances in sports fields and courts.
How do manufacturers use size?
Manufacturers use size to categorize and market products, ensuring they meet consumer needs.
What units are common for measuring length?
Common units include meters, feet, and inches.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
