Volume of cuboids practice for 11+ exams
21 October 2026
Understanding cuboids
A cuboid is a 3D shape with six rectangular faces. To find its volume, you need three measurements: length, width, and height.
These are the edges of the cuboid. You will usually see them labelled on a diagram or described in a word problem.
How to calculate volume
To work out the volume of a cuboid, multiply the length by the width, then multiply that answer by the height.
The formula is: Volume = length × width × height.
Worked example
Suppose a cuboid has a length of 5 cm, a width of 4 cm, and a height of 3 cm.
First, multiply the length and width: 5 cm × 4 cm = 20 cm².
Next, multiply this result by the height: 20 cm² × 3 cm = 60 cm³.
The correct answer is 60 cm³.
Why volume matters for the 11+
Volume questions appear in both GL and CEM style 11+ exams. Children may need to count cubes, use the formula, or solve a word problem that hides the measurements in a real-life context.
Practising these steps helps your child spot the method quickly and avoid common mistakes.
Key insight: Volume skills build confidence
By practising volume calculations in small steps, children learn to spot patterns, use function machines, and check their answers. This makes them more secure when tackling a range of 11+ maths questions.
