Volume of step prisms practice for 11+ maths
21 October 2026
Understanding step prisms
A step prism is a 3D shape made up of rectangular blocks arranged in steps, a common feature in 11+ maths questions. Knowing how to find the volume of these shapes helps children tackle more complex problems confidently.
Why volume matters for 11+
Volume questions test spatial reasoning and calculation skills. Practising these helps children break down bigger shapes into smaller, manageable parts, a key skill for exam success.
Worked example
Imagine a step prism with two steps. The bottom block measures 6 cm long, 4 cm wide, and 2 cm high. The top block sits neatly on one end and measures 4 cm long, 4 cm wide, and 3 cm high.
Step 1: Break the shape into two blocks, the bottom and the top.
Step 2: Find the volume of the bottom block. 6 × 4 × 2 = 48 cm³
Step 3: Find the volume of the top block. 4 × 4 × 3 = 48 cm³
Step 4: Add the two volumes together. 48 cm³ + 48 cm³ = 96 cm³
The correct answer is 96 cm³.
Key insight: Practising with step prisms helps children learn to split complex shapes into simpler parts, making it easier to solve challenging volume questions in the 11+ exam.
