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How do I use grid references on a map?

Part of Maths and NumeracyShapes and movement

Fin and Snoot use the grid references on a map to explore an island.

What is a grid reference?

A grid reference tells you where something is on a map.

There are two parts to a grid reference:

  • The 1st letter or number tells you how far across the map something is.
  • The 2nd letter or number tells you how far up the map something is.
Basic map marked with letters along the bottom and numbers up the left.

Example

How do you find grid reference D2?

Here's one way to do it:

  • First go across the way until you get to D.
  • Then go up the way until you get to 2.

Here's another way:

  • Go along the bottom with your finger until you get to D.
  • Go up the side with your other finger until you get to 2.
  • Move one finger across and one finger up until they meet.

Both ways have found D2.

Basic map marked with letters along the bottom and numbers up the left.

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