How Do You Find the Volume of a Rectangular Prism?

Are your students learning how to determine the volume of a shape? If so, they are probably starting with cubes and rectangular prisms. A simple formula can be used when determining the volume, or the amount of space inside of a solid figure. The formula V = l × w × h can be used to determine the volume of a cube or rectangular prism. If your students need additional practice with this skill, Teacher Starter has an engaging resource for you to use in your classroom!

This double-sided worksheet assesses students’ understanding of finding the volume of rectangular prisms – but with a twist! Students will use this “This or That” worksheet to compare two figures when answering questions. Not only will students find figures that have a given length and shapes with a given base area, but they will also have to justify their reasonings! This is an excellent way for your students to write about math… something we often forget to have them do!

If your students are completing assignments through Google Classroom, this resource is also available as a digital worksheet that you can assign.

An answer key is included with your download to make grading fast and easy!  

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

In addition to independent student work time, use this worksheet as an activity for:

• Guided math groups
• Lesson warm-up
• Lesson wrap-up
• Fast finishers 
• Homework assignment
• Whole-class review (via smartboard)

An enrichment activity idea is to have students draw 4 different rectangular prisms that all have the same total volume but different dimensions. Students could also create a “Which One Doesn’t Belong” with 4 shapes. Three shapes have the same volume, but 1 is different. Students then trade with partners to determine which shape has a different volume.  

For students who need a bit of extra support, invite them to reference previous assignments, posters, or anchor charts. Additionally, students can complete this activity in a 1-on-1 or small group setting.

🖨️ Easily Download & Print

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or editable Google Slides version of this resource. 

Because this resource includes an answer sheet, we recommend you print one copy of the entire file. Then, make photocopies of the blank worksheet for students to complete.

To save paper, we suggest printing this 2-page worksheet double-sided. 

Turn this teaching resource into a sustainable activity by printing on cardstock and slipping it into a dry-erase sleeve. Students can record their answers with a whiteboard marker, then erase and reuse them. 

Additionally, project the worksheet onto a screen and work through it as a class by having students record their answers in their notebooks. 

Get more worksheets to have handy!

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

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities to shorten your lesson planning time:  

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Volume with Unit Cubes – Worksheet

Use this worksheet to reinforce how to find the volume of a rectangular prism by counting the number of unit cubes.

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Finding Volume (Differentiated Worksheets)

Teach finding the volume of rectangular prisms and cubes with this set of differentiated worksheets.

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Understanding Volume - Vocabulary Cards

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