Primary 5 Foundation maths · Measurement & time · About 12 minutes
Measure volume using unit cubes cm³ and m³
Separate base dimensions, layer size and number of layers. Check what is known and what is missing.
Start the interactive lesson →Open practice activity
What you will learn
- Measure volume using unit cubes cm³ and m³
Models used: number sentences, stories, tables.
Before you start
Count a layer, then stack the layers
One layer is 4 cubes wide and 3 cubes deep. It contains 12 cubes.
Count cubes across a layer, then count the layers. Some cubes are hidden.
One layer is 4 cubes wide and 3 cubes deep. It contains 12 cubes.
Width 4, height 1, depth 3
Count cubes across a layer, then count the layers. Some cubes are hidden.
Stack a second matching layer. Now there are two lots of 12 cubes.
Width 4, height 2, depth 3
Count cubes across a layer, then count the layers. Some cubes are hidden.
A third layer gives 36 cubes. Remember the cubes hidden inside.
12 + 12 + 12 = 36
Width 4, height 3, depth 3
What did the picture help us see?
A third layer gives 36 cubes. Remember the cubes hidden inside.
Worked example: A new example, together
A solid contains 4 equal layers, with 16 unit cubes in each layer. How many unit cubes form the solid?
| Width | Depth | Height / layers |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 |
All dimensions refer to the same unit. Read each value with the heading above its column.
Separate base dimensions, layer size and number of layers. Check what is known and what is missing.
Equal layers connect base area and height with total volume.
All dimensions refer to the same unit Width Depth Height / layers 4 4 4 All dimensions refer to the same unit. Read each value with the heading above its column.
One layer contains 4 × 4 = 16 unit cubes.
All dimensions refer to the same unit Width Depth Height / layers 4 4 4 A solid contains 4 equal layers, with 16 unit cubes in each layer. How many unit cubes form the solid?
64 unit cubes
All dimensions refer to the same unit. Read each value with the heading above its column.
There are 4 equal layers.
All dimensions refer to the same unit Width Depth Height / layers 4 4 4 All dimensions refer to the same unit. Read each value with the heading above its column.
Count all layers: 16 × 4 = 64.
All dimensions refer to the same unit Width Depth Height / layers 4 4 4 All dimensions refer to the same unit. Read each value with the heading above its column.
Check the result against the question we started with.
16 × 4 = 64.
We found 64 unit cubes. Equal layers connect base area and height with total volume.
All dimensions refer to the same unit Width Depth Height / layers 4 4 4
Common mistakes to discuss
- Counting only the cubes on show. Hidden cubes fill the solid too. Count one layer, then multiply by the number of layers.
Check your understanding
- Measure volume using unit cubes cm³ and m³
- explain volume or a missing dimension through equal layers
- check the answer against the original quantities and units
Explain your reasoning to an adult, then try a fresh question in the interactive lesson. A result from one attempt is not proof of lasting mastery.
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