Capacity — mL and L
Measurement: Capacity — mL and L
Capacity — mL and L
Capacity — mL and L
What you'll learn
- Understand the relationship 1 L = 1,000 mL.
- Convert between litres and millilitres.
- Solve word problems about filling, sharing and pouring liquids.
Key concepts
Level 1 — Units of capacity
Verbal: Small amounts of liquid (a spoon of medicine, a cup of milk) are measured in millilitres (mL); larger amounts (a bucket, a bottle) are measured in litres (L).
Level 2 — Converting litres to millilitres
Symbolic: 2 L = 2 × 1,000 = 2,000 mL. 2 L 300 mL = 2,000 + 300 = 2,300 mL.
Level 3 — Multiplying capacity
Example: A jug holds 250 mL. 4 full jugs hold 250 × 4 = 1,000 mL = 1 L.
Level 4 — Sharing capacity equally
Example: 8 L of juice is poured equally into 4 bottles. Each bottle gets 8,000 mL ÷ 4 = 2,000 mL = 2 L.
NCERT anchor: Math-Magic 4, Ch 7 — Jugs and Mugs (measuring and comparing capacity).
Worked example
A water tank holds 15 L of water. It is used to fill 6 bottles equally. How much water goes into each bottle (in mL)?
Step 1 — Convert 15 L to mL: 15 × 1,000 = 15,000 mL.
Step 2 — Divide equally: 15,000 mL ÷ 6 = 2,500 mL.
Answer: 2,500 mL (2 L 500 mL) in each bottle.
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Why it happens | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Using 1 L = 100 mL | Confusing with money/percent | Always remember 1 L = 1,000 mL |
| Adding L and mL columns without converting | Treating mixed units as one number | Convert fully to mL before adding or subtracting |
| Dividing before converting to the same unit | Working with mixed L and mL | Convert everything to mL first, then divide |
| Forgetting units in the final answer | Rushing to finish | Always write mL or L clearly with the number |
Quick check
- 8 L = ___ mL (8,000 mL)
- 3 L 150 mL = ___ mL (3,150 mL)
- 4,600 mL = ___ L ___ mL (4 L 600 mL)
- A bottle holds 500 mL. How much do 6 bottles hold? (3,000 mL = 3 L)
- Stretch: 12 L of milk is shared equally among 8 families. How many mL does each family get? (1,500 mL)
Revision tip: Check the capacity written on a water bottle or milk packet at home (like 1 L or 200 mL) and practise converting it.
Open the Practice tab for graded questions on Capacity.
Key Takeaways (TL;DR)
- What you'll learn
- Key concepts
- Worked example
- Common mistakes
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