11+ Maths: Measuring & Drawing Angles
19 October 2026
Measuring angles with confidence
Measuring angles is a key skill for the 11+ Maths exam. Children need to use a protractor to find the size of an angle in degrees, whether it is acute, obtuse, or a right angle. Practising this at home builds familiarity and accuracy.
Step-by-step: using a protractor
Start by placing the centre point of the protractor exactly on the vertex of the angle. Line up one arm of the angle with the zero line on the protractor's baseline. Read the correct scale (most protractors have two) and follow it up to the second arm to find the angle's measure.
Drawing angles accurately
To draw a specific angle, place the protractor's centre on your starting point. Draw a baseline, then mark the desired degree using the protractor's scale. Remove the protractor and draw a straight line from the starting point through the mark to create the angle.
Common mistakes to avoid
It's easy to misread the scale or misalign the protractor. Double-check the centre is on the vertex and that you are using the correct scale for the angle's direction. Encourage your child to pause and check before recording their answer.
Key insight: Practising both measuring and drawing angles helps children understand angle sizes and builds the careful habits needed for exam accuracy.
