More measures
Capacity
Capacity is how much a container can hold. Let's learn about full and empty, holds more or less, and measuring in litres and millilitres.
What is capacity?
Capacity is about how much a container can hold. A container filled to the top is full; a container with nothing in it is empty. The larger the container, the more capacity it has. A bucket holds more water than a glass, and a swimming pool holds more than a bucket.
Litres
The capacity of a jug, a bowl or a bath is measured in litres. Larger containers hold more litres. We can compare containers by pouring water and seeing which holds more or less.
Millilitres
Smaller amounts of liquid are measured in millilitres. About 20 drops of water make about 1 millilitre, and a teaspoon can hold about 5 millilitres.
Counting in cups
If it takes 5 cups to fill a 1-litre jug, then a 2-litre jug takes 10 cups, a 3-litre jug takes 15 cups, and so on. We count in 5s: 5, 10, 15, 20.
Worked examples
Litres or millilitres?
- Is it a large amount, like a bath? Use litres.
- Is it a small amount, like a teaspoon? Use millilitres.
Answer: Large amounts use litres; small amounts use millilitres.
Which holds more?
- Compare a bucket and a glass.
- The larger container holds more.
Answer: The bucket holds more water than the glass.
Filling a jug with cups
- 5 cups fill a 1-litre jug.
- A 2-litre jug is twice as big.
- Count in 5s: 5, then 10.
Answer: It takes 10 cups to fill a 2-litre jug.
Where you see this in real life
- Filling a bath with litres of water.
- Pouring a small amount of medicine measured in millilitres.
- A bucket holding more water than a glass.
- A jug that holds more juice than a cup.
Key words
- Capacity
- How much a container can hold.
- Full
- Filled right up to the top.
- Empty
- Having nothing inside.
- Litre
- A unit for measuring larger amounts of liquid.
- Millilitre
- A unit for measuring small amounts of liquid.