Volume

Volume is how much space something fills. A big box has more volume than a small one. A swimming pool has more volume than a bathtub. We can measure volume in many ways. Liquids are often measured in liters or cups.

Measuring Volume

For a box shape, you find volume by multiplying length, width, and height. The answer comes out in cubic units like cubic inches. For liquids, you pour them into a measuring cup. A liter is a common unit for bigger amounts. A milliliter is used for smaller amounts.

Volume of Strange Shapes

It can be tricky to find the volume of a rock or a toy. A long time ago, a Greek scientist named Archimedes had a great idea. He put the object in water and saw how much the water went up. The amount the water rose equals the volume of the object. This trick still works today.

Fun Facts

• A regular soda can holds about 355 milliliters of liquid.
• Archimedes figured out his volume trick while taking a bath.
• The human body is about 60 percent water by volume.

Did You Know?

A gallon of milk has a volume of about 3.8 liters.