Grade 6 · Math · Lesson 22

Volume of Rectangular Prisms

Volume is the amount of 3D space INSIDE a solid shape. While area covers a flat surface and perimeter measures the outline, volume measures how much fits inside a box, a tank, or any container. Volume is always measured in CUBIC units — three dimensions multiplied together. US customary cubic units are cu in (cubic inches), cu ft (cubic feet), and cu yd (cubic yards). Metric cubic units are cm^3 (cubic centimeters) and m^3 (cubic meters). The formula V = l x w x h is the same in either system; only the unit labels change.

What this lesson teaches

1Compute the volume of a rectangular prism using V = l x w x h in cubic inches, cubic feet, cubic cm, or cubic meters
2Compute the volume of a cube using V = s x s x s in either US customary or metric units
3Express volume in cubic units (cu in, cu ft, cm^3, m^3) and distinguish it from area and perimeter
4Solve real-world volume word problems with US customary and metric measurements

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