Student Handout

Grade 6
2022

Unit 12.3

Reading Scales
Reading scales when measuring capacity

When you’re measuring liquid you have to read scales.

First, look to see what the unit of measurement is. Is the scale in
millilitres (ml) or litres (l)?

This scale is in millilitres This scale is in litres

 Reading Scales

Next, look to see what divisions on the scales are labelled. Look at
the scale on this jug. Can you see how only some of the divisions on
the scale are labelled?

You might need to estimate when reading off the scale. The short
line is half way between the 200 and 400 ml labels so it must
indicate 300 ml. Here, the level of liquid is about half way between
this short line and the 400 ml label so you could estimate there is
350 ml of milk in the jug.
How to read intervals when measuring capacity?
Reading Scales

Example 1

How much water is in the container?

425 ml

Example 2

How much juice is in the container?

275 ml
Reading Scales

Example 3

How much water is in the container?

400 ml

Example 4

How much water is in the container?

320 ml
Activity 1

Write the reading shown on each cylinder.

Activity 2

Write the reading shown on each cylinder.

Solutions to Activity 1
Solutions to Activity 2