Help students practice solving capacity word problems with this engaging printable math worksheet.
Practice solving capacity word problems and check your answers instantly. Use the questions below to practice multiplication, subtraction, and comparing the capacity of containers.
Maya's big pitcher holds 32 cups of lemonade. Her first three customers each buy a glass that holds 2 cups of lemonade. How many cups of lemonade did Maya pour for the three customers in total?
Hint: There are 3 customers and each customer gets 2 cups.
Maya's pitcher holds 32 cups of lemonade. After serving the first three customers, how many cups of lemonade are left in the pitcher?
Hint: First find how many cups were poured, then subtract that amount from 32.
Maya's big pitcher holds 32 cups of lemonade. Ben's small pitcher holds 18 cups. How many more cups does Maya's big pitcher hold than Ben's small pitcher?
Hint: Subtract 18 cups from 32 cups.
Capacity word problems involve the amount of liquid or another substance that a container can hold. Measurements such as cups, litres, and millilitres can be used to describe capacity.
To solve a capacity word problem, identify the capacity of the container and determine what the question is asking. Multiplication can be used when several containers hold the same amount. Subtraction can be used to find how much remains or to compare the capacities of two containers.
This capacity word problems worksheet gives students practice working with measurements in cups. The problems use a lemonade stand scenario involving a large pitcher, individual glasses, and a smaller pitcher.
Students can use this resource for classroom practice, independent work, homework, math centres, or review. The interactive questions above allow students to enter their answers and receive immediate feedback.
What are capacity word problems?
Capacity word problems are math problems involving how much liquid or another substance a container can hold. Students use measurements such as cups, litres, or millilitres to solve problems.
How do you solve a capacity word problem?
Read the problem carefully, identify the capacity measurements, determine what you need to find, and choose the appropriate mathematical operation.
When should you multiply in a capacity problem?
Multiplication can be used when several containers or servings hold the same amount. For example, if three customers each receive 2 cups, multiply 3 by 2 to find the total number of cups served.
When should you subtract in a capacity problem?
Subtraction can be used to find how much liquid remains in a container or to determine the difference between the capacities of two containers.