Capacity & Volume

Measure and compare capacity and volume

Capacity and Volume 🥤

Capacity is how much a container can hold. Volume is how much liquid is actually inside. We measure in litres (ℓ) and millilitres (ml). 1 litre = 1 000 millilitres.

Example

Everyday Capacity

🥤 A cup holds about 250 ml 🧴 A small bottle holds about 500 ml 🫙 A big bottle holds 1 ℓ (1 000 ml) 🛁 A bathtub holds about 150 ℓ Which holds more? A bucket or a cup? A bucket! 🪣

Example

Measuring Volume

If a jug holds 1 ℓ and you pour out 250 ml, how much is left? 1 000 ml − 250 ml = 750 ml If you fill 4 cups of 250 ml each: 4 × 250 ml = 1 000 ml = 1 litre!

Note

Remember 💡

Litre (ℓ) is used for big amounts (like a bottle). Millilitre (ml) is used for small amounts (like a spoon). 1 litre = 1 000 ml.

Key Vocabulary

CapacityHow much a container can hold

VolumeHow much liquid is inside a container

LitreA unit for measuring capacity (ℓ)

MillilitreA small unit for measuring liquid (ml)

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