Volume and Capacity Maths Problems for 11 Plus
19 October 2026
Understanding volume and capacity
Volume and capacity questions in the 11+ exam often ask children to work out how much space a 3D shape takes up, or how much liquid a container holds. The most common questions focus on cuboids, where your child will need to multiply the length, width, and height to find the volume.
Step-by-step approach
Begin by reading the question carefully. Write down the three measurements. Length, width, and height, and check that all are in the same unit. Multiply these numbers together to calculate the volume. Remember to use the correct unit, such as cubic centimetres (cm³) or cubic metres (m³).
Dealing with changes to dimensions
Some questions will change the dimensions of a shape, like doubling each edge. In these cases, work out the new measurements first, then multiply again. For example, if every edge of a cuboid is doubled, the new volume will be eight times the original, because 2 × 2 × 2 = 8.
Common mistakes to avoid
It is easy to mix up units or miss a change to one of the edges. Always check that you have converted all measurements to the same unit before multiplying. If your answer does not match any of the options, look for a calculation slip or a missed change in the question.
Key insight: Encourage your child to write down each step, including units, before calculating. This helps avoid common errors and makes it easier to spot mistakes if the answer does not look right.
