Metric Measure of Capacity

The maximum amount that something can hold is called capacity. The standard unit of capacity is liter. We use different units to measure different capacity. Milliliter, centiliter , deciliter are smaller unit used to measure smaller capacity, liter is commonly used to measure capacity, whereas units like decaliter, hectoliter and kiloliter are used to measure larger capacity. All these units are related to each other.   

When we move from one metric unit to another to the right in the above metric chart, the value of metric unit becomes ten times smaller i.e. one tenth and when we move from one metric unit to another to the left in the metric chart, the value of metric unit becomes ten times bigger.

We consider liter as the basic unit of capacity.

1 Decaliter (dal) = 10 times liter

1 Hectoliter (hl) = 100 times liter

1 Kiloliter (kl) = 1000 times liter

1 Deciliter (dl) = 1/10 of liter

1 centiliter (cl) = 1/100 of liter

1 milliliter (ml) = 1/1000 of liter

Conversion of measures from higher to lower units

We always multiply when we change higher unit to lower unit.

Example 1: Change 6kl into liters

1kl =1000l

Therefore, 6 x 1000l = 6000l

Example 2: Change 45l into centiliters

1l = 100cl

Therefore, 45 x 100cl = 4500cl

Conversion of measures from lower to higher units

We always divide when we change lower unit to higher unit.

Example 1: Change 8000l to kilo liter

1000l = 1kl

Therefore, 8000 ÷ 1000 = 8l

Addition and Subtraction

Step1: Write the units on the top.

Step2: Write the numbers in proper place below the units. Write zero in empty place.

Example 1: Add 40kl 34l and 23kl 3l

Example 2: Subtract 40kl 34l from 70kl 64l

Multiplication involving units of measurement

Example 1: Multiply 33 l 30ml by 2

Division involving units of measurement

Example 1: Divide 484l by 4