Volume questions at Level 2 are about how much a container holds or how many boxes fit in a van – and they nearly always need a unit conversion at the end (cm³ to litres, m³ to litres). This free worksheet covers cuboids, cylinders and prisms, capacity, and the packing and filling problems the exam sets.
Free to download, print and share for personal or classroom use. Answers included.
What’s in this worksheet
- Section A – Formulas (9 marks)
- Section B – In context (20 marks)
- Revise box with the rules and methods for the topic
- Worked answers for every question
Common mistakes on this topic
From our tutors’ marking and the most recent examiner reports – check your work against these:
- Multiplying metres by centimetres. Convert everything to one unit first.
- Using the diameter as the radius in the cylinder formula.
- Working out how many boxes fit by dividing volumes only – 96 fits here, but a 50 cm box would not fit 2.4 ÷ 0.5 = 4.8 times along the length.
How to use it
- Print the worksheet (or work on screen) and attempt every question without looking at the answers. Give yourself a rough time limit – Level 2 exams are tight.
- Mark your work against the answer page. For maths, check the method as well as the final number; method marks are where most of the marks are.
- Read the ‘common mistakes’ notes below and check whether any of them happened to you. Then redo the questions you got wrong a day later.
Related free resources
- 3D Shapes and Nets Worksheet – Functional Skills Maths Level 2
- Surface Area Worksheet – Functional Skills Maths Level 2
- Level 2 Maths Mini Practice Paper 1 – Functional Skills Maths Level 2
- All free Functional Skills Maths Level 2 resources
Frequently asked questions
How do you convert cm³ to litres?
Divide by 1,000, because 1 litre = 1,000 cm³ (a 10 cm cube). 240,000 cm³ is 240 litres. For cubic metres, multiply by 1,000: 1 m³ = 1,000 litres.
What is the formula for the volume of a cylinder?
π × radius² × height. If you are given the diameter, halve it first. For a tin of radius 8 cm and height 20 cm: π × 64 × 20 ≈ 4,021 cm³.
How do I work out how many boxes fit in a van?
Divide each dimension of the van by the matching dimension of the box and round down, then multiply the three whole numbers. Dividing total volumes gives the maximum only if the boxes fit exactly.
Want a tutor to mark your work? Not sure where you stand? Take the free 15-minute mini mock test. Ready to get qualified? Our live 10-week Functional Skills Level 2 Maths course runs in small groups with a mock exam included, and the 5-day revision course is there if your exam is close.