How to Use Water Displacement to Calculate Volume

A measuring cup can be used to accurately measure volume.

Measuring the volume of an irregularly shaped object using geometry is often difficult and complicated. The easiest way to do this is by using the water displacement method. Often taught in chemistry or other science classes, this method is known for its simplicity and accuracy. You'll just need to have the right equipment.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Irregularly shaped object
• Glass or plastic measuring cup or beaker

1. Write down the following equation on a piece of paper:

   [(b) - (a)] = Volume of odd-shaped object

2. Find a graduated cylinder or measuring cup large enough to hold the object being measured.

3. Fill the graduated cylinder with adequate water. When placed in the cylinder, the object must be fully submerged in the water. Also, be careful not to put in so much water that the water level will rise past the graduated cylinder's markings when the object is submerged.

4. Record the volume of the water prior to submerging the object. This represents the "a" in the equation in Step 1. Make sure to read the meniscus when calculating volume.

5. Place the object in the graduated cylinder and record the resulting water volume as "b" in the equation.

6. Subtract the volume of the water alone from the volume of the water plus the object using the equation from Step 1. For instance, if "b" was 50 milliliters and "a" was 25 milliliters, the volume of the irregularly shaped object would be 25 milliliters.

Tips & Warnings

• If the water rises above the measuring markings of your container, an accurate reading cannot be made, and you need a bigger container.

• Measure the mass of the object before placing it in the water, and then again after placing it in the water to see if the water absorbed into the object and is changing the volume of your object.

• Use the smallest possible container that is sufficient for measuring the object.

• The object being measured should not be dropped into the container, but allowed to gently float to the bottom. This way you will not splash water onto the side of the container and mess up your measurement.

References

• Fordham Preparatory School: Water Displacement Method