Measuring Volume Resources

Measuring Volume 101

Measuring volume is a foundational skill in math, and will even accompany students all the way through calculus. To calculate the volume of different objects, students must work with different formulas, exponents, and values. Some common volume formulas include:

• Cube: a³


• Cylinder: πr²h


• Cuboid: lwh


• Sphere: ⁴⁄₃r³


• Pyramid: ¹⁄₃Bh


• Cone: ¹⁄₃r²h

A common theme here is the use of exponents and π (pronounced pi). Students will need to develop their ability to use exponents in math equations if they want to be able to calculate volume. Alternatively, with ample practice calculating volume, your students will soon become adept at using exponents.

Volume is an important concept for students to become comfortable working with. As they move on in their studies, they will find volume plays an important role in thermodynamics.

Because volume is a function of state, meaning whether an object is in a gas, liquid, solid, or plasma state will affect its volume, it is also interdependent with pressure and temperature. Several laws, such as the ideal gas law, explain this relationship.

With the Education.com activities above, students will have plenty of practice measuring volume. These exercises include a variety of ideas, so your students will become adept at calculating the volume of different objects in various states.