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Capacity and volume

Millilitres and litres, converting, and reading a measuring jug correctly. Finding volume by packing cubes and counting them layer by layer. Read one part at a time and tap “I know this”. Then test yourself in the quiz.

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Capacity and volume

Capacity is how much a container can hold. Volume is how much space something actually takes up.

UnitExampleConvert
mla teaspoon ≈ 5 ml1 000 ml = 1 ℓ
ℓa bottle of milk, a bucket1 000 ℓ = 1 kℓ
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The measuring jug

  1. Hold the jug level and look at eye level.
  2. Find the value of one mark: count the equal spaces between two numbered lines, not the lines. If 0 to 500 ml is divided into 5 equal spaces, each mark is 500 ÷ 5 = 100 ml.
  3. Read the level of the liquid.
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Volume

Volume is the space a 3D object takes up. We find it by packing and counting cubes.

  1. Count the cubes in the bottom layer: 4 cubes long and 3 cubes wide = 12 cubes.
  2. Count how many layers there are: 2 layers.
  3. Volume = 12 + 12 = 24 cubes.
Watch out

Don’t forget the hidden cubes at the back and underneath: count layer by layer.

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Remember this and test yourself

Remember this: your summary
  • 1 000 ml = 1 ℓ.
  • Volume = space an object takes up.
  • Capacity = what a container can hold.
  • Count the cubes layer by layer.
  • Read a measuring jug at eye level.
  • Don’t forget hidden cubes.

Write these points in your book. Read them again the night before the test.

Memory trick

Milli = thousandth: 1 000 ml in a litre.

Flash cards · Tap to turn over

Important words

First say the answer yourself, then turn the card over.

Now the real quiz!

The quiz has many more questions on this topic. Every question shows straight away whether you are right and explains why.

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Follows CAPS for Grade 4 Mathematics. Always check your teacher’s notes and textbook too.

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