Measuring Capacity in L and mL
Capacity tells us how much liquid a container can hold. We measure capacity in litres (L) and millilitres (mL).
A large water bottle holds about 1 litre. A teaspoon holds about 5 mL. In Class 3, you learn to measure, convert, compare, and solve problems using L and mL.
What is Measuring Capacity in L and mL - Class 3 Maths (Measurement)?
Litre (L) is used for measuring larger amounts of liquid.
Millilitre (mL) is used for small amounts of liquid.
1 litre = 1000 millilitres | 1 L = 1000 mL
Measuring Capacity in L and mL Formula
L to mL → × 1000 | mL to L → ÷ 1000
Types and Properties
Common capacities:
| Container | Approximate Capacity |
|---|---|
| A teaspoon | 5 mL |
| A medicine cup | 25 mL |
| A glass of water | 250 mL |
| A water bottle | 500 mL or 1 L |
| A milk packet | 500 mL or 1 L |
| A bucket | 10 L - 20 L |
Solved Examples
Example 1: Convert L to mL
Question: Convert 2 L to mL.
Think:
- 1 L = 1000 mL
- 2 L = 2 × 1000 = 2000 mL
Answer: 2 L = 2000 mL.
Example 2: Convert mL to L
Question: Convert 5000 mL to L.
Think:
- 5000 ÷ 1000 = 5
Answer: 5000 mL = 5 L.
Example 3: Mixed to mL
Question: Express 3 L 250 mL in mL.
Think:
- 3 L = 3000 mL
- 3000 + 250 = 3250 mL
Answer: 3 L 250 mL = 3250 mL.
Example 4: mL to Mixed
Question: Express 4600 mL in L and mL.
Think:
- 4600 ÷ 1000 = 4 remainder 600
Answer: 4600 mL = 4 L 600 mL.
Example 5: Addition
Question: Ria has 1 L 750 mL of juice and 500 mL of water. Total?
Think:
- 1 L 750 mL + 500 mL
- 750 + 500 = 1250 mL = 1 L 250 mL
- 1 + 1 = 2 L 250 mL
Answer: Total = 2 L 250 mL.
Example 6: Subtraction
Question: A bucket holds 5 L of water. Aman uses 2 L 300 mL. How much is left?
Think:
- 5 L = 5000 mL
- 2 L 300 mL = 2300 mL
- 5000 − 2300 = 2700 mL = 2 L 700 mL
Answer: 2 L 700 mL is left.
Example 7: Comparing Capacities
Question: Which is more: 3 L or 2500 mL?
Think:
- 3 L = 3000 mL
- 3000 > 2500
Answer: 3 L is more.
Example 8: Word Problem — Milk
Question: Priya's family uses 2 L of milk per day. How much milk do they use in a week?
Think:
- 1 week = 7 days
- 7 × 2 = 14 L
Answer: They use 14 L of milk in a week.
Example 9: How Many Glasses?
Question: A jug has 2 L of water. Each glass holds 250 mL. How many glasses can be filled?
Think:
- 2 L = 2000 mL
- 2000 ÷ 250 = 8
Answer: 8 glasses can be filled.
Key Points to Remember
- 1 L = 1000 mL.
- Use L for large amounts (buckets, bottles, tanks).
- Use mL for small amounts (medicine, cooking spoons).
- To convert L to mL, multiply by 1000.
- To convert mL to L, divide by 1000.
- Convert to the same unit before adding, subtracting, or comparing.
- A measuring jug or measuring cup measures capacity.
Practice Problems
- Convert 4 L to mL.
- Convert 7000 mL to L.
- Express 2 L 350 mL in mL only.
- Express 6500 mL in L and mL.
- Neha has 3 L of juice. She pours 1 L 200 mL into a jug. How much is left?
- Which is more: 1500 mL or 2 L?
- A glass holds 200 mL. How many glasses can be filled from a 1 L bottle?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the difference between L and mL?
Litre (L) is for larger quantities. Millilitre (mL) is for smaller quantities. 1 L = 1000 mL.
Q2. How do I convert L to mL?
Multiply by 1000. For example, 3 L = 3000 mL.
Q3. How do I convert mL to L?
Divide by 1000. For example, 2000 mL = 2 L.
Q4. What holds about 1 litre?
A standard water bottle or a milk packet usually holds about 1 litre.
Q5. What holds about 1 mL?
About 20 drops of water make 1 mL. A fifth of a teaspoon is roughly 1 mL.
Q6. How do I add litres and millilitres?
Add L and mL separately. If mL total reaches 1000 or more, convert: 1500 mL = 1 L 500 mL.
Q7. What tool measures capacity?
A measuring jug (graduated cylinder), measuring cup, or measuring spoon measures capacity.
Q8. Is this topic in NCERT Class 3?
Yes. NCERT Class 3 Maths covers measuring capacity in L and mL, with conversion, comparison, and real-life word problems.
