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Year 5 Summer Block 6: Volume

Summer Block 6: Volume (Year 5)

This Year 5 volume unit introduces pupils to estimating, comparing and measuring volume using cubic centimetres. Aligned with White Rose Maths and the Year 5 National Curriculum, the block develops understanding of volume and capacity through practical investigations and real-life contexts.

Across the unit, pupils measure volume using cubic centimetres, compare the volume of three-dimensional shapes, estimate the volume of familiar objects and estimate the capacity of containers. They learn to distinguish between volume and capacity while applying their understanding through reasoning and problem-solving activities.

Resources are organised into comprehensive lesson packs containing detailed lesson plans, interactive teaching slides, differentiated worksheets and supporting activities. Assessment materials, revision resources and knowledge organisers are included to support progression and secure understanding throughout the block.

Week 12 small steps

  • Cubic centimetres
  • Compare volume
  • Estimate volume
  • Estimate capacity

National Curriculum objectives

  • Estimate volume using cubic centimetres
  • Compare the volume of three-dimensional shapes
  • Estimate the volume of objects using appropriate units
  • Estimate and compare capacity using litres and millilitres
  • Develop understanding of the relationship between volume and capacity

Part of Maths Masters

These Year 5 volume resources form part of our complete Maths Masters scheme. Explore the full summer term sequence for structured progression, interactive teaching slides and differentiated maths resources.

Explore year 5 summer maths

Download our free Year 5 maths yearly overview | Explore maths subject leader resources

Developing understanding of volume in Year 5

This Year 5 volume block helps pupils understand how volume and capacity are measured, estimated and compared using practical activities and real-life contexts. Pupils develop confidence using cubic centimetres, estimating the volume of everyday objects and comparing the capacity of different containers.

The unit progresses from measuring volume with cubic centimetres to comparing the volume of three-dimensional shapes, estimating volume and estimating capacity. Pupils also learn the important distinction between volume and capacity while strengthening their reasoning and problem-solving skills through practical measurement tasks.

What’s included

  • Weekly lesson packs covering all volume small steps
  • Detailed Year 5 maths lesson plans linked to White Rose Maths
  • Interactive teaching slides with clear modelling and worked examples
  • Differentiated volume worksheets and activities
  • Reasoning and problem-solving opportunities
  • Knowledge organisers, revision mats and assessment resources

What pupils learn across the block

  • Measure volume using cubic centimetres (cm³)
  • Compare the volume of three-dimensional shapes
  • Estimate the volume of everyday objects
  • Estimate the capacity of containers using litres and millilitres
  • Understand the difference between volume and capacity
  • Use appropriate units when measuring and estimating
  • Develop reasoning when comparing and estimating measurements
  • Apply measurement skills in practical real-life contexts

Why this block matters

  • Introduces pupils to measuring three-dimensional space
  • Develops confidence using cubic units of measure
  • Strengthens understanding of volume and capacity in everyday contexts
  • Provides foundations for Year 6 work on calculating the volume of cuboids

If you are looking for Year 5 volume worksheets, Year 5 volume resources, Year 5 cubic centimetres worksheets, Year 5 estimating volume activities, Year 5 capacity worksheets, White Rose Maths volume resources or a complete Year 5 volume unit, this block provides lesson packs, teaching slides, planning and differentiated resources to support high-quality maths teaching throughout the unit.