The idea, step by step
How much fits inside?
Capacity is how much a container can hold when it is full. It is different from how much liquid happens to be in it now.
A nearly empty big jug can still have a larger capacity than a full little cup.
Use the same cup
Fill two containers using one small cup as the unit. Fill that cup to the same level each time.
The container needing more cupfuls holds more. Use a tray and ask an adult to help with pouring.
A common trap
The container with more water in it now must have the greater capacity.
Instead: Capacity is the amount it can hold when full. Compare full amounts with the same unit.
See the thinking
Count equal cupfuls
Container A holds 3 cupfuls and B holds 5 of the same cupfuls. Which holds more?
- Both counts use the same small cup.
- Five cupfuls is more than three.
Pour to compare
A full small jug is poured into an empty large jug. There is room left. Which jug holds more?
- All the liquid from the small jug fits into the large jug.
- The large jug still has empty room.
Check your understanding
Two jars each hold 4 cupfuls of the same cup. Compare their capacities.
Show answer
They have the same capacity.
Each full jar holds the same number of equal cupfuls.
Your turn
6 questions · Work at your own pace.
Read the questions online
- In the picture, which container holds less?
- A bowl holds 6 cupfuls. A jar holds 4 of the same cupfuls. Which holds more?
- Is an empty bucket's capacity zero?
- Jo uses a tiny cup and Lee uses a big cup. Are their cup counts fair to compare?
- You pour a full cup into an empty jug. The jug has room left. Which holds more?
- Explain one safe way to find which of two containers holds more.
Read the worked solutions
- In the picture, which container holds less?
Three cupfuls is less than five.
A. - A bowl holds 6 cupfuls. A jar holds 4 of the same cupfuls. Which holds more?
Six is more than four when the cup size is the same.
The bowl. - Is an empty bucket's capacity zero?
The bucket can still hold liquid even when it is empty.
No. - Jo uses a tiny cup and Lee uses a big cup. Are their cup counts fair to compare?
They used different-sized units.
No. - You pour a full cup into an empty jug. The jug has room left. Which holds more?
It holds the cupful and could hold more.
The jug. - Explain one safe way to find which of two containers holds more.
Use equal full cupfuls and avoid spills.
Use the same small cup to fill each one and compare the counts, with adult help and a tray.
Curriculum reference & lesson scope
Australian Curriculum v9 / SA Curriculum 2026
Year 1 informal comparisons and measuring with uniform units; explanation and practical activity accompany fluency.
Official curriculum source ↗