Volume and capacity are about measuring how much space something takes up or how much it can hold — especially for liquids, solids, and gases.
Volume
Volume is the amount of space something occupies. It’s used for solids, liquids, and gases. The most common units for volume are cubic centimeters (cm³), cubic meters (m³), liters (L), and milliliters (mL).
Volume can be measured directly (for liquids) or calculated (for solids) using formulas. For example, the volume of a box = length × width × height.
Capacity
Capacity is the maximum amount a container can hold. It’s usually used for liquids but can also apply to materials like grains or powders. Capacity is measured in liters (L), milliliters (mL), and sometimes gallons.
Capacity refers to the container’s limit, not necessarily how much is inside it.
Common Units
Here are the most common units you’ll encounter for volume and capacity:
- Milliliter (mL): 1/1000 of a liter, used for small liquid amounts
- Liter (L): Standard unit for liquid volume
- Cubic centimeter (cm³ or cc): 1 cm³ = 1 mL, used for small volumes
- Cubic meter (m³): Large unit for volume, often in shipping or construction
- Gallon, quart, pint: Used in the US and UK for liquid capacity
Common Vocabulary
Here are common English words and phrases related to volume and capacity, organized by category.
Measuring Words
These words are used to talk about the process of measuring volume or capacity.
- measure
- pour
- fill
- empty
- calculate
- estimate
- weigh (for weight, not volume)
- read (a scale or measurement)
- adjust
- convert
Container Words
These are common containers used to hold or measure liquids or solids.
- bottle
- jar
- cup
- glass
- jug
- can
- tank
- container
- pitcher
- mug
Unit Words
These are the names of units used to describe volume and capacity.
- milliliter
- liter
- cubic centimeter
- cubic meter
- gallon
- quart
- pint
- ounce
- cup (unit)
- fluid ounce
Which unit is used to measure small volumes of liquid?
milliliter
Milliliters are used for small liquid volumes.
Describing Quantity
These words help you describe amounts or changes in volume or capacity.
- full
- empty
- half
- nearly
- almost
- more
- less
- enough
- over
- under
Fill in the blank: Don’t ______fill the container, or it will spill.
over
Overfill means to fill more than the container’s capacity.
Fill in the blank: There is ______ enough water for everyone.
enough
Enough means a sufficient amount to meet a need.
Phrases and Expressions
Common phrases used in everyday conversation about volume and capacity.
- How much does it hold?
- What’s the capacity?
- Fill it up.
- Pour some out.
- It’s half full.
- Measure carefully.
- Use a measuring cup.
- Convert to liters.
- The container is empty.
- Don’t overfill it.
Summary
Volume is the amount of space something occupies, while capacity is how much a container can hold. We use units like milliliters, liters, and cubic centimeters to measure these quantities. Common containers include bottles, jars, and cups. Knowing this vocabulary will help you talk about everyday tasks like cooking, shopping, and storing items.
Which units are commonly used for both volume and capacity?
milliliters and liters
Milliliters and liters are standard units for volume and capacity, especially for liquids.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
