What is capacity?

Capacity is the amount of liquid a container can hold. It is measured in millilitres (mL) and litres (L). Capacity is closely linked to volume, but capacity is about how much can be poured into a container rather than the space a solid takes up.

Examples

• A large bottle of water holds about 1 litre.
• A teaspoon holds about 5 mL.
• 1 litre = 1000 millilitres.

Quick facts

• 1 litre is the same as 1000 millilitres.
• Capacity measures liquids; volume measures the space a shape fills.