Capacity
Millilitres and litres, converting, and reading a measuring jug correctly. Read one part at a time and tap “I know this”. Then test yourself in the quiz.
Know it already? Jump straight to the quiz
Capacity and volume
Capacity is how much a container can hold. Volume is how much space something actually takes up.
| Unit | Example | Convert |
|---|---|---|
| ml | a teaspoon ≈ 5 ml | 1 000 ml = 1 ℓ |
| ℓ | a bottle of milk, a bucket | 1 000 ℓ = 1 kℓ |
The measuring jug
- Hold the jug level and look at eye level.
- 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.
- Read the level of the liquid.
Converting with decimals
- 2,5 ℓ = 2 500 ml; ¾ ℓ = 750 ml; 1 250 ml = 1,25 ℓ.
- A swimming pool or a water tank is measured in kilolitres: 1 kℓ = 1 000 ℓ, so 3,5 kℓ = 3 500 ℓ.
Remember this and test yourself
- 1 000 ml = 1 ℓ.
- Capacity = what a container can hold.
- Read a measuring jug at eye level.
- First find the value of one mark: count the spaces.
Write these points in your book. Read them again the night before the test.
Milli = thousandth: 1 000 ml in a litre.
Important words
First say the answer yourself, then turn the card over.
Match column A to column B
Tap a word in column A, then its meaning in column B. You can also start in column B.
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.
Take the quiz: Capacity- Let your child work the examples on paper and explain them to you.
- The ticks (“I know this”) are saved on this device only. We never ask for names or emails.
Follows CAPS for Grade 6 Mathematics. Always check your teacher’s notes and textbook too.