Volume of 3D Shapes

Volume is how much stuff — water, sand, or air — can fit INSIDE a 3D shape. We measure that space in cubic units.

📦The Volume Formula

V = Length × Width × Height

🧊 Fill it with cubic units!

Length = how many cubes across

Width = how many cubes deep

Height = how many cubes tall

✏️Worked Example

Fill the box! 📦 How much fits in a box that is 5 long, 3 wide, and 2 tall?

1Write the formula: V = l × w × h

2Plug in the numbers: V = 5 × 3 × 2

3Multiply the bottom first: 5 × 3 = 15

4Now × height: 15 × 2 = 30 cubic units ⭐

🔷Cube vs. Rectangular Prism

🎲CUBE

All 6 faces are equal squares — every edge is the same.

V = 4 × 4 × 4 = 64 cubic units

📦PRISM

              6
              3
              2
            
6 rectangle faces — length, width & height can differ.
V = 6 × 2 × 3 = 36 cubic units

🔑Key Terms

📦Volume The amount of 3D space something takes up — measured in cubic units.

🧊Cubic Unit A 1×1×1 cube used to measure volume.

🟦Rectangular Prism A 3D shape with 6 rectangular faces — like a box.

🎲Cube A 3D shape with 6 equal square faces.

📐Base Area The area of the bottom face of a 3D shape.

🪣Capacity How much something can hold — closely related to volume.

⭐ Remember: to find the volume of a box, just multiply Length × Width × Height — and always label your answer in cubic units!

✏️ Math Anchor Chart · Volume of 3D Shapes