Volume and Capacity
Volume is the amount of 3D space an object takes up. Capacity is the amount a container can hold. Both are related but used in different contexts.
What You Need to Know
Key Concept Diagram
Volume is measured in cubic units such as cm³ or m³
Capacity is measured in millilitres (mL) and litres (L)
1 litre = 1000 millilitres
The volume of a rectangular prism can be found by counting unit cubes
Key Vocabulary
Volume
The amount of 3D space an object occupies, measured in cubic units
Capacity
The maximum amount a container can hold
Litre (L)
A unit of capacity; 1 L = 1000 mL
Millilitre (mL)
A small unit of capacity used for liquids; 1000 mL = 1 L
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
A box holds 2 layers of unit cubes, each layer having 3 rows of 4. What is its volume?
Question 2
How many mL are in 1.5 L?
Question 3
Which unit would you use to measure the volume of a swimming pool?
Key Concepts Summary
- ●Volume is measured in cubic units such as cm³ or m³
- ●Capacity is measured in millilitres (mL) and litres (L)
- ●1 litre = 1000 millilitres
- ●The volume of a rectangular prism can be found by counting unit cubes