Measuring Capacity

Measuring Capacity for Class 3 Math

Here the student will recall their previous learning from measuring capacity and learn more about measuring cups and spoons. Also, it is explained with relevant word problems on the capacity for class 3, which will help the students relate the topic to real life.

The student will learn to

Define the definition of capacity in maths
Identify the capacity measurement units
Convert L to mL
Apply word problems on the capacity for class 3 in real-life situations

The learning concept is explained to class 3 students with examples, illustrations, and a concept map. At the end of the page, two printable measuring capacity worksheets for class 3 with solutions are attached for the students.

Download the worksheets and solutions to assess our knowledge of the concept.

Capacity Definition

Capacity: The capacity of a vessel/container is the quantity of liquid or matter it can hold. We use measuring spoons or measuring jugs to measure capacity.

We often measure capacity in litre or millilitre.
We measure a small quantity of liquid like perfume, medicine etc. in millilitres (mL) and a large quantity of liquid like milk, water, oil etc. in litres (L).
The standard unit of measuring liquid is ‘Litre’.

Liquid Measuring Cup

First place the measuring cup in a flat surface
Then pour the liquid in the measuring cup. Measuring cups are marked with standard measuring units on their body.
Now bend down eye level to the marks on the body of the measuring cup and watch carefully where the surface of the liquid touches the line.
That line signifies the measurement of the liquid.

The picture given below show the process for measurement of liquid.

The cup above has 4.5 mL of liquid. In the similar way we can measure the liquid in a cylinder.

L to mL

We know that 1 L = 1000 mL.

So, to convert litre to millilitre, we need to multiply litre with 1000.

Examples:

Convert from L to ml: (i) 45 L (ii)10 L

Answer:

45 L = 45 × 1000 ml = 45000 ml
10 L = 10 × 1000 ml = 10000 ml

Word Problems on Capacity for Class 3

Examples 1:

There are 6 bottles of oil in a retail shop and each bottle contains 375 mL oil. The shop keeper has sold 750 mL oil. How much oil is left in the shop?

Answer:

In 6 bottles, there is total 6 × 375 mL = 2250 mL oil.

If 750 mL oil is sold, then the total amount of oil left is:

2250 ml – 750 ml = 1500 ml

∴ So, 1500 ml oil is left in the shop.

Examples 2:

Soma and Ram bought a packet of 500 ml milk each. Tarru and Jumbo bought a packet of 1L milk each. They poured the milk in a container and distributed the total milk between 6 children. How much milk did each of the children get?

Answer:

Soma and Ram bought total 2 × 500 ml = 1000 ml

Tarru and Jumbo bought total 2 × 1 L = 2 L

Now, 2 L = 2000 ml

They poured the total milk in the container.

So, the total amount of milk in the container is:

1000 ml + 2000 ml = 3000 ml

Total milk is distributed between 6 children.

Now, each of the children will get 3000 ml ÷ 6 = 500 ml

Hence, each of the children got 500 ml.