Volume (F)

In the same way that AREA tells us how much space a two-dimensional shape takes up, VOLUME is all about how much space a three-dimensional space needs. 2-D shapes can be drawn on a flat sheet of paper, whilst 3-D shapes have an extra dimension. Take this GCSE Maths quiz and see if you have the extra dimension!

Volume is closely linked with CAPACITY, which is how much fluid a container can hold. Whilst volume is measured in units like m³ and cm³, capacity is measured in litres, ml and so on. You should be able to work between the two systems, the key is 1m³ holds 1,000 litres. Did you know, 1m³ of water weighs a ton? That’s heavy!

The volume of cubes and cuboids is straightforward to calculate, it’s just length x base x height.

But most shapes you will come across aren’t so easy. Many of them will be prisms – 3-D objects that have 2 opposite faces of the same size and shape, joined by a series of rectangles. A cylinder is an example of a prism. They are usually named by the shape of the face, so a cylinder could also be called a circular-based prism.

The volume of a prism is the area of the face multiplied by its length. You are normally given this formula in the GCSE exam paper, but make sure you know how to use it!

Question 1