How to Find Volume

The word “volume” is a term that kids have probably heard for many years. They hear about it in the context of “turn the volume down!” or “Where’s the volume button?” But, as students enter 5th and 6th grade, “volume” takes on a whole new meaning. In a mathematical sense, volume refers to the amount of space in a closed figure. If you need to figure out how much space is inside a box, this is the volume.

So… how do you figure out the volume of a shape? When determining the volume of a rectangular prism, you can simply use the formula, length × width × height. There may also be instances where only the base area and height are given. In this case, one simply multiplies these numbers.

If you are looking for an activity to use with your students to practice matching figures with different dimensions but the same volume, you have landed on the right page!

Prior to student use, cut apart and mix up all 36 cards. Lamination is recommended for repeated use. Students solve the volumes on cards 1 – 24 and determine the matches, and the card numbered 25- 36 with the correct volume. Answers can be recorded on the sheet provided.

The goal of this activity is to practice calculating the volume given the length, width, and height or the base area and height.

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your math lessons.

In addition to individual student work time, use this volume activity to enhance learning through guided math groups or whole class lessons.

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, check out these suggestions for keeping students on track with the concepts:

🆘 Support Struggling Students

Remove either cards 13-24 or cards 25-36 so there are matching sets of 2 as opposed to groups of 3. Allow the use of a calculator. Provide notes and completed examples. Work one-on-one, in a small group, or with a peer tutor.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

Hang up the matches around the room with a couple mixed up, challenge students to find the errors, and explain their thinking. Other enrichment options would be to use the cards as a memory match game or have students create their own matching sets.

Plan lessons for all ability levels with our 10 Best Scaffolding Strategies! 

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the color PDF, black and white PDF, or editable Google Slides version of this resource. A recording sheet and answer key are also included with this download.

Print on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access.

Sustainability Tip: Print a few recording sheets on cardstock and slip them into dry-erase sleeves. Students can record their answers with a whiteboard marker, then erase and reuse them. 

This resource was created by Lorin Davies, a teacher in Texas and Teach Starter Collaborator.

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities and resources that cut down on lesson planning time:

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Volume Word Problems – Task Cards

Use this set of 24 word problem task cards when calculating the volume of rectangular prisms.

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Volume of Rectangular Prisms – Digital and Printable Worksheet

Practice finding the volume of rectangular prisms with a “This or That” worksheet.

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Understanding Volume - Vocabulary Cards

Promote math vocabulary development with this set of 15 vocabulary cards focusing on volume.