Jugs and Mugs - Units of Capacity (Liters and Milliliters)

Capacity is the measure of how much liquid a container can hold. Imagine a large bucket filled to the brim with water; the total amount of water inside represents the bucket's capacity.

The standard unit for measuring large quantities of liquid is the Liter ($L$). For example, a large bottle of juice or a bucket of water is usually measured in Liters. Think of a $1$ $L$ water bottle you take to school.

For measuring small quantities of liquid, we use Milliliters ($ml$). Examples include a small spoon of medicine, a cup of tea, or a small perfume bottle. Visualize a small $5$ $ml$ teaspoon compared to a large $1$ $L$ jug.

The relationship between the two units is $1$ Liter = $1000$ Milliliters. You can visualize this by imagining $10$ small cups, each holding $100$ $ml$, being poured into a $1$ Liter container to fill it up exactly.

Measuring containers often have markings called 'graduations' on the side. A $1$ $L$ measuring jug might have horizontal lines showing $200$ $ml$, $400$ $ml$, $600$ $ml$, and $800$ $ml$ to help you measure liquid accurately.

When comparing capacities, always check the units. $1$ $L$ is much greater than $100$ $ml$, even though the number $100$ is larger than $1$, because the unit $L$ is $1000$ times larger than $ml$.

Different shaped containers can have the same capacity. A tall, thin glass and a short, wide bowl might both hold exactly $250$ $ml$ of milk, even though they look different visually.