Let’s Learn!
How do we measure capacity?
Goal:
Goal:
Think About It!
Goal: Define the metric units to measure capacity.
The spoon and the pitcher are very different sizes, but both can hold some of the fruit punch. We can measure their capacity using metric units of measurement. Metric units of measurement for capacity are milliliters and liters. These units are part of the Metric System of Measurement, which is just a different way to measure things. We already know capacity is the amount a container can hold when full. The customary units are cups, pints, quarts, and gallons. The metric system uses milliliters and liters to measure capacity.
Just how large are milliliters and liters? Click through the slides below to learn how to measure using milliliters and liters.
Milliliters
A milliliter is very small. It is about the same size as a drop of water. Milliliter is abbreviated as mL.
Liter
A liter is much larger than a milliliter. It is about the same size as large water bottle. Liter is abbreviated as L.
1 liter is 1,000 milliliters!
1,000 milliliters \({ = }\) 1 liter
Let’s help Caleb measure the capacity of this spoon and pitcher.
What should we use to measure the capacity of this spoon, milliliters or liters? Click the spoon to check your answer.
Milliliters
This spoon doesn’t hold a lot of fruit punch. We can use milliliters to measure its capacity.
What should we use to measure the capacity of this pitcher, milliliters or liters? Click the pitcher to check your answer.
Liters
This pitcher holds a lot of fruit punch. We can use liters to measure its capacity.
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The spoon holds 15 mL of fruit punch. 
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The pitcher holds 1,000 mL, or 1 L, of fruit punch. 
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Question:
Which has a SMALLER capacity, a milliliter or a liter?
A milliliter has a smaller capacity than a liter.