How to explain volume and capacity word problems in volume of cuboids to your child
27 October 2026
When your child faces a word problem about the volume of cuboids, it helps to break the question into clear, simple steps. Seeing how each measurement is used makes the process feel much more manageable.
Worked example
A cuboid tank is 5 metres long, 3 metres wide and 2 metres deep. What is its volume in cubic metres?
Step 1: Multiply the length by the width. 5 × 3 = 15
Step 2: Multiply this answer by the depth. 15 × 2 = 30
Key insight: Volume of a cuboid = length × width × depth.
The correct answer is 30 cubic metres.
After working through this example, your child will spot that volume word problems with cuboids always use length, width and depth. They'll be ready to practise similar questions and build confidence for the 11+ exam.
