Volume of cuboids exercises for 11+ maths
21 October 2026
Understanding volume of cuboids for 11+ exams
Grasping how to calculate the volume of cuboids is essential for 11+ maths, especially in GL and CEM style exams. This topic often appears in reasoning and problem-solving questions.
Identify the dimensions
To begin, note down the length, width and height of the cuboid. These measurements are usually given in the question or shown on a diagram.
Find the area of the base
Multiply the length by the width to find the area of the base of the cuboid. This step helps children understand the foundation of the shape before moving to the full calculation.
Calculate the volume
Take the area of the base and multiply it by the height. This gives the total volume of the cuboid in cubic units.
Worked example
Suppose the length is 5 cm, the width is 4 cm, and the height is 3 cm.
First, calculate the base area: 5 cm × 4 cm = 20 cm²
Next, multiply by the height: 20 cm² × 3 cm = 60 cm³
The correct answer is 60 cm³.
Practise with different numbers
Encourage your child to try these steps with a variety of lengths, widths and heights. This builds confidence and helps them spot patterns in volume problems.
Key insight: Understanding each step in the process makes volume questions less daunting and prepares children well for 11+ maths challenges.
