Skill: Measure and compare capacity

Explanation and Free Practice Resources

Capacity is the amount a container can hold, measured with standard units such as milliliters and liters, and, where applicable, cups, pints, quarts, and gallons. Quantities are compared by expressing them in the same unit, using equivalent measures and benchmarks; apparent container size alone does not determine capacity. The focus is on whole-number measurements and straightforward conversions within a measurement system, not complex unit conversions, fractional scaling, or volume formulas.

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Detailed Explanation: Measure and compare capacity

Capacity tells how much a container can hold. To compare two capacities, first write them in the same unit.

Remember:

1\text{ liter}=1{,}000\text{ milliliters}

Example: Which holds more: a bottle with $2$ liters or a pitcher with $1{,}500$ milliliters?

Change $2$ liters into milliliters:

2\text{ L}=2\times1{,}000=2{,}000\text{ mL}

Compare the amounts in milliliters:

2{,}000\text{ mL}>1{,}500\text{ mL}

Write the answer: The bottle holds more. It holds $500$ milliliters more.

The outside shape or size of a container does not always show how much it can hold. Compare the measurements instead.

Learn by doing: Measure and compare capacity

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Measurement Less or More - Volume (customary)

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