Weight and Capacity - Class 5 Mathematics (CBSE)

Based on the current NCERT Maths Mela Grade 5 sequence. Read the idea, try the activity, then solve the practice set without looking at the answers.

1. Why this chapter matters

Weight and Capacity uses familiar Class 5 situations to make mathematics feel usable. Instead of treating maths as a list of sums, this chapter asks students to notice information, choose a method, explain the method, and check whether the answer makes sense.

The main focus is measuring mass and liquid capacity using suitable units and estimates. This is useful in notebooks, oral questions, class activities, and competency-based school tests because teachers often ask students to explain how they know, not just write the final number.

2. Core ideas

Idea 1

Weight is measured in grams and kilograms.

Method 2

Capacity is measured in millilitres and litres.

Skill 3

Good estimates help check whether a measurement is sensible.

3. Worked examples

Example 1: Which is heavier: 750 g or 1 kg?

1 kg is 1000 g, so 1 kg is heavier.

Check: The answer uses the correct operation and keeps the unit or context clear.

Example 2: A bottle has 2 L water. 500 mL is used. How much remains?

2 L = 2000 mL. 2000 - 500 = 1500 mL, or 1 L 500 mL.

Check: The answer uses the correct operation and keeps the unit or context clear.

4. Activity corner

List five home items with labels showing g, kg, mL, or L. Group them by unit.

Write your activity answer in three parts:

• What I observed
• What I calculated or compared
• What mathematical idea this shows

5. Common mistakes

• Mistake: Solving before reading the whole word problem Fix: Circle the data, underline the question, and then choose the operation.
• Mistake: Forgetting units such as cm, m, kg, L, minutes, or rupees Fix: Write the unit with every final answer.
• Mistake: Doing only exact calculation without checking reasonableness Fix: Use estimation or reverse operation to catch impossible answers.

6. How to write better answers

1. Write the given numbers and units first.
2. Show the operation or reasoning step.
3. Use a diagram, table, grid, or number line if it makes the answer clearer.
4. Write the final answer in a complete sentence.
5. Check the answer by estimation, reverse operation, or common sense.

7. Practice set

1. Which unit is better for rice: g or kg?
2. 1 kg equals how many grams?
3. 1 L equals how many millilitres?
4. Add 250 mL and 750 mL.
5. Why is a balance useful?
6. A bag has 3 kg potatoes and 2 kg onions. Total weight?

8. Answer key

1. Which unit is better for rice: g or kg? Answer: Kilogram for larger amounts.

2. 1 kg equals how many grams? Answer: 1000 g.

3. 1 L equals how many millilitres? Answer: 1000 mL.

4. Add 250 mL and 750 mL. Answer: 1000 mL, or 1 L.

5. Why is a balance useful? Answer: It compares or measures weight more accurately than guessing.

6. A bag has 3 kg potatoes and 2 kg onions. Total weight? Answer: 5 kg.

9. Quick revision

• Main focus: measuring mass and liquid capacity using suitable units and estimates.
• Weight is measured in grams and kilograms.
• Capacity is measured in millilitres and litres.
• Good estimates help check whether a measurement is sensible.
• Learn by doing the activity once, not by memorising only the final answers.
• Keep units clear and show steps for partial marks.