Measurement
Mixed Unit Conversions
Lesson
We've learned about volume and capacity. Even though they are very closely linked, they are slightly different.
- Volume is the amount of space a 3D object takes up.
- Capacity is the amount a container can hold.
Handy Conversions
| Volume | Capacity | |
| $1$1 cm3 | $=$= | $1$1 mL |
| $1000$1000 cm3 | $=$= | $1$1 L |
| $1$1 m3 | $=$= | $1000$1000 L |
| $1$1 m3 | $=$= | $1$1 kL |
When you're converting between volume and capacity, just think which unit of measurement there will be more of to work out whether you need to multiply or divide. For example,
- if I'm converting from cubic centimetres to litres, I will need to divide because there are $1000$1000 cm3 in $1$1 L.
-
if I'm converting from cubic metres to litres, I will need to multiply because there are $1$1 m3 is equivalent to $1000$1000 L.
-
if I'm converting from kilolitres to cubic metres, I don't need to change anything! That's because $1$1 kL is equivalent to $1$1 m3.
Worked Examples
Question 1
Convert $6750$6750 cubic centimetres (cm3) to litres (L).
Question 2
Convert $8100$8100 litres (L) to cubic metres (m3).