11 Plus Maths Volume and Capacity Practice Questions CEM GL
26 October 2026
Why volume and capacity matter
Volume and capacity questions appear regularly in 11+ CEM and GL maths. They test your child's ability to apply formulas and reason about measurement, not just recall facts.
Supporting your child at home
Encourage your child to read each question carefully. Check that all measurements are in the same unit before they start calculating. Practise multiplying three numbers for cuboids, and talk through word problems involving litres and millilitres.
Key insight: Volume and capacity problems often require more than one step. Children may need to convert units or adjust all dimensions before calculating the final answer.
Worked example
A box measures 5 cm × 4 cm × 3 cm. What is its volume?
First, multiply the length and width: 5 × 4 = 20.
Then multiply by the height: 20 × 3 = 60.
The correct answer is 60 cm³.
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for questions where not all measurements are in the same unit. Remind your child to always write the unit in their answer, such as cm³ for volume or litres for capacity.
Tips for CEM and GL style
CEM and GL exams may include questions about doubling dimensions or combining containers. Practise with a mix of straightforward and multi-step problems to build confidence.
