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Volume is the measure of the 3-dimensional space occupied by matter, or enclosed by a surface, measured in cubic units. The SI unit of volume is the cubic meter (m3), which is a derived unit.
Liter (L) is a special name for the cubic decimeter (dm3). The symbol for the liter is uppercase letter “ell” (L) is preferred to avoid the risk of confusion between the lowercase letter “ell” (l) and the number one (1). The script letter l (l) is not an approved symbol for the liter.
Milliliter (mL) is a special name for the cubic centimeter (cm3).
Common Units of Volume
1000 cubic millimeters (mm3)
= 1 cubic centimeter (cm3)
1 cm3
= 1 milliliter (mL)
10 mL
= 1 centiliter (cL)
10 cL
= 1 deciliter (dL)
1 dL
= 100 milliliters (mL)
1000 cm3
= 1 cubic decimeter (dm3)
1 dm3
= 1 liter (L)
10 dL
= 1 L
1000 mL
= 1 L
10 L
= 1 dekaliter (daL)
10 daL
= 1 hectoliter (hL)
1 hL
= 100 L
1000 dm3
= 1 cubic meter (m3)
1000 L
= 1 m3
1000 L
= 1 kL
1 kL
= 10 hL
Visualize one cubic decimeter (dm3) or one liter (1 L) as a cube where each side is:
Metric Estimation Game (SP 1336) - this fun, hands-on activity helps participants become familiar with SI measurements by practicing estimation skills. During this activity, participants will become familiar with using the metric system (International System of Units, SI) measurements on common, everyday items.
SI Units Card Deck (SP 1297) - this activity offers a fun way to enhance understanding of the International System of Units, including the defining constants, base units, derived units with special names, and prefixes. (NIST).
Metric Rainfall Calculation Activity and Rainfall Rates (US Geological Survey). How much water falls during a rainstorm? Choose an area and a rainfall amount (mL) to determine the volume of water (L) that fell from the sky and was delivered onto that area. You'll be surprised about much rain really does fall during a rainstorm. A variety of common rainfall rates (mm per hour) are described.
SI Prefixes. In the metric system of measurement, designations of multiples and subdivision of any unit may be arrived at by combining with the name of the unit the prefixes.
Measuring Volume is an interactive simulation where students analyze images of graduated cylinders to determine liquid volumes and their associated uncertainties.
Volume models illustrate one cubic decimeter (dm3), also known as a liter (L). When a template is printed on cardstock and assembled, the two sheets create a cube 10 centimeters on each side with a volume of 1000 cm3.
Metric Rainfall Calculation Activity and Rainfall Rates(US Geological Survey). How much water falls during a rainstorm? Choose an area and a rainfall amount (mL) to determine the volume of water (L) that fell from the sky and was delivered onto that area. You'll be surprised about much rain really does fall during a rainstorm. A variety of common rainfall rates (mm per hour) are described.
Metric Estimation Game (SP 1336) - this fun, hands-on activity helps participants become familiar with SI measurements by practicing estimation skills. During this activity, participants will become familiar with using the metric system (International System of Units, SI) measurements on common, everyday items.
SI Units Card Deck (SP 1297) - this activity offers a fun way to enhance understanding of the International System of Units. (NIST)
NISTIR 7383, Selected Procedures for Volumetric Calibrations, Good Measurement Practice (GMP 3), Method of Reading a Meniscus Using Water or Other Wetting Liquid (NIST).
Rainfall Amount, Intensity, and Distribution (FAO United Nations)- This chapter covers how rainfall and plant water use (evapotranspiration) affect crops and irrigation planning.
