MEASURING CAPACITY

Capacity tells us how much a container can hold.
We measure capacity using standard units! 🧪
WHAT IS CAPACITY?
  • Capacity is the amount of liquid a container can hold.
  • It is different from weight.
  • We measure capacity using standard units like millilitres and litres.
A bigger container has more capacity. A smaller container has less capacity!
UNITS OF CAPACITY
Millilitre
(mL)
Used to measure small amounts of liquid (e.g., spoon, small glass)
Litre
(L)
Used to measure larger amounts of liquid (e.g., water bottle, bucket)
🌟 1 Litre (L) = 1000 Millilitres (mL) 🌟
QUICK FACTS
  • We measure capacity using litre (L) and millilitre (mL).
  • 1 litre (L) = 1000 millilitres (mL)
  • We use the right tool for accurate measurement.
  • Capacity depends on the size of the container.
  • Containers can have the same capacity even if their shapes are different.
  • Read the liquid level at the bottom of the meniscus (curve).
Always read from the bottom of the meniscus curve!
MEASURING TOOLS

Different tools are used to measure capacity:

🧪
Measuring Cylinder
Used to measure small amounts of liquid accurately.
🥛
Measuring Jug
Used to measure larger amounts of liquid.
MORE CAPACITY, LESS CAPACITY OR EQUAL?

Compare the capacities of different containers:

Bucket (10 L) 🪣 🧴 Water Bottle (1 L)
Cup (200 mL) ☕ 🥛 Glass (250 mL)
1 L Milk Carton 🥛 🧃 1000 mL Juice
INTERACTIVE CAPACITY MEASURING PRACTICE
Look at the liquid level below. What is the capacity reading at the bottom of the meniscus?
500 400 300 200 100 mL
Liquid Volume = mL
CONVERSION EXAMPLES
1. Convert L to mL: 2 L = 2 × 1000 = mL
2. Half Litre value: ½ L = 1000 ÷ 2 = mL
3. Quarter Litre value: ¼ L = 1000 ÷ 4 = mL
4. Complex Multiplier Check: 3 L = 3 × 1000 = mL
CONVERSION TABLE
From
To
Relation
1 L
1000 mL
1 L = 1000 mL
½ L
500 mL
½ L = 500 mL
¼ L
250 mL
¼ L = 250 mL
2 L
2000 mL
2 L = 2000 mL
💡 Convert to the same unit to compare easily!
CAPACITY IN REAL LIFE
🍲
Cooking Pot
Holds about 3 L
🥛
Milk Packet
Contains 1 L
🛢️
Large Drum
Holds about 200 L
🚛
Fuel Tanker
Thousands of Litres
🥄
Medicine Spoon
Holds about 5 mL
THINK AND ANSWER
KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER
  • Capacity tells us how much a container can hold.
  • We measure capacity using millilitre (mL) and litre (L).
  • 1 litre (L) = 1000 millilitres (mL).
  • Use a measuring cylinder for small, accurate volumes.
  • Use a measuring jug for larger everyday liquid capacities.
  • Always read liquid levels from the baseline bottom of the meniscus.
  • Bigger containers have more capacity; smaller ones have less capacity.
1 L STANDARD UNIT