Geometry & MeasuresTopic Summary
Knowledge Organiser: Volume of Cuboids & Prisms
Part of Volume of Cuboids & Prisms · GCSE GCSE Mathematics revision
This topic summary covers Knowledge Organiser: Volume of Cuboids & Prisms within Volume of Cuboids & Prisms for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Volume of Cuboids & Prisms in Geometry & Measures for GCSE Mathematics with 20 exam-style questions and 12 flashcards. This topic shows up very often in GCSE exams, so students should be able to explain it clearly, not just recognise the term. It is section 9 of 9 in this topic. Use this topic summary to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 9 of 9
Practice
20 questions
Recall
12 flashcards
Knowledge Organiser: Volume of Cuboids & Prisms
Key Terms
- Prism: A 3D shape with a constant cross-section throughout its length
- Cross-section: The identical 2D shape cut through the prism
- Cuboid: A rectangular prism (box shape)
- Cylinder: A circular prism
- Volume: Amount of 3D space a shape occupies — in cubic units
Must-Know Facts
- All prism volumes = cross-sectional area × length
- Volume is ALWAYS in cubic units: cm³, m³, mm³
- Cylinder = circular prism: V = πr²h
- If given diameter, halve it first to get radius
- 1 m³ = 1000 litres; 1 litre = 1000 cm³
- Double all dimensions → volume increases by factor 8 (2³)
Key Formulas
- Any prism: V = A × l
- Cuboid: V = l × w × h
- Cylinder: V = πr²h
- Density: mass = density × volume
Common Mistakes
- Prism cross-section: Must identify the correct cross-section (the face that stays the same along the length)
- Units cubed: Volume is always cm³, m³ etc. — never cm² or cm
- Cylinder vs prism: Cylinder is a circular prism — V = πr²h, not πdh
- Missing the length: For a prism, V = cross-sectional area × length — don't forget to multiply by the length