You may have learned about estimating and measuring capacity. Capacity is a word to describe how much something holds. We often use this when we think about liquids.
Now we will look at ordering objects by the capacity they hold. To order objects, we look at how much they can hold and then compare them, listing them from largest to smallest or smallest to largest. Watch this video to learn about ordering objects by capacity.
Now try these questions for yourself.
Worked examples
Question 1
We want to order these three cups from largest capacity to smallest capacity.
| Cup $1$1 | Cup $2$2 | Cup $3$3 |
|---|---|---|
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 |
 |
| Capacity $=$= $337$337 mL | Capacity $=$= $630$630 mL | Capacity $=$= $136$136 mL |
Which of these cups has the largest capacity?
Cup $1$1
ACup $2$2
BCup $3$3
CWhich of these cups has the second largest capacity?
Cup $3$3
ACup $1$1
BCup $2$2
CWhich of these cups has the smallest capacity?
Cup $3$3
ACup $1$1
BCup $2$2
C
Question 2
Order $A$A, $B$B, and $C$C from largest total capacity to smallest.
 |
 |
 |
| $A$A | $B$B | $C$C |
$\editable{}$, $\editable{}$, $\editable{}$
Question 3
Jug B has a capacity of $2$2 litres.
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| Jug B = $2$2 L |
Estimate the capacity of jug A.
$10$10 L
A$1$1 L
B$250$250 mL
C$1$1 mL
D
The capacity of an object is how much it can hold.
To put objects into order you must compare them first.