measurement · Year 6 · Suggested learning sequence
Volume and capacity
Volume (cubic centimetres) and capacity (millilitres and litres) are linked. A 1 cm cube holds exactly 1 mL of water, so the number of cm³ equals the number of mL. A litre is 1000 mL, so 1000 cm³ = 1 L. To change cm³ into litres, divide by 1000. To find how many litres a tank holds, first find its volume with length × width × height, then divide by 1000.
Sample questions
A jug holds 50 cm³ of water. How many millilitres is that?
- 1 cm³ holds exactly 1 mL, so the number stays the same.
- 50 cm³ = 50 mL.
Answer: 50
A jug holds 450 cm³ of water. How many millilitres is that?
- 1 cm³ holds exactly 1 mL, so the number stays the same.
- 450 cm³ = 450 mL.
Answer: 450
A bottle holds 120 mL. What is its volume in cubic centimetres?
- 1 cm³ holds exactly 1 mL, so the number stays the same.
- 120 mL = 120 cm³.
Answer: 120