11+ Maths: Mass and Weight (CEM & GL)
21 October 2026
Understanding mass and weight for 11+
Mass and weight questions are a regular feature in 11+ maths exams, especially in CEM and GL formats. These questions test your child's ability to work with units, convert between them, and solve everyday word problems. Practising these skills builds confidence for the real exam.
Key concepts and units
In UK maths, mass is measured in grams (g), kilograms (kg), and milligrams (mg). Weight is often used in everyday language to mean the same thing as mass. For 11+ exams, focus on knowing:
- 1 kilogram (kg) = 1,000 grams (g) - 1 gram (g) = 1,000 milligrams (mg)
Questions may ask your child to convert between these units or to add and subtract different masses.
Tips for answering CEM and GL questions
Encourage your child to:
- Read the question carefully and note which units are used
- Convert all masses to the same unit before adding or subtracting
- Watch out for word problems that use real-life contexts, such as shopping or cooking
- Double-check their calculations, especially when converting units
Worked example
A box weighs 3 kg and another object weighs 450 g. What is the total weight in kilograms?
Step 1: Convert 450 g to kilograms. 450 g = 0.45 kg
Step 2: Add the two masses. 3 kg + 0.45 kg = 3.45 kg
The total weight is 3.45 kilograms.
Summary and encouragement
Regular practice with mass and weight questions helps children become confident with units and word problems they will face in the 11+ exam. Working through examples together and discussing different question types can make a real difference.
Key insight: Oefenen met mass and weight helpt kinderen vertrouwd te raken met eenheden en woordproblemen die vaak voorkomen in CEM en GL 11+ toetsen.
