Mastering mass and weight problems 11 plus
21 October 2026
Why mass and weight matter in 11+
Mass and weight problems are a regular feature in 11+ Maths. Children are expected to work confidently with different units, add and subtract weights, and solve real-life problems. Building strong skills here helps with a wide range of questions in the exam.
Tackling mass and weight problems step by step
Start by checking the units. Are all weights in grams, kilograms, or a mix? If needed, convert so that all measurements use the same unit. Next, read the question carefully to see if you need to add, subtract or solve a different type of problem. Set out your working clearly, one step at a time.
Worked example
A bag of flour weighs 5 kg and a bag of sugar weighs 3 kg. What is their total weight?
Step 1: Check the units. Both weights are in kilograms, so no conversion is needed.
Step 2: Add the weights. 5 kg + 3 kg = 8 kg.
Step 3: Write the answer clearly. The total weight is 8 kg.
Tips for success
Encourage your child to label each step and show their working. If the problem involves subtraction, remind them to use the - sign and check their answer. For questions with different units, practise converting between grams and kilograms (1 kg = 1000 g) before starting calculations.
Key insight: Regular practice with mass and weight problems helps children become confident with units, conversions, and real-life maths. This builds strong foundations for success in the 11+ exam.
