Saxon Math Grade 5, Section 4: Geometry Volume & Measurement
In this unit, your child works with shapes, volume, and units. They classify two-dimensional figures by their properties, find the volume of boxes by counting cubes and multiplying length × width × height, and convert measurements within a system, such as quarts to gallons. After fraction multiplication and division, it moves into measuring space, and the final unit turns to expressions, patterns, and coordinate geometry.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Section 4?
- Converting measurements within a system, like 10 quarts to 2 1/2 gallons or 3 feet to 36 inches. Learn more: Converting feet to yards and grams to kilograms
- Recognizing volume as the number of cubic units it takes to fill a solid with no gaps. Learn more: Volume: how much space is inside a solid
- Finding the volume of boxes by multiplying length × width × height, and adding volumes for shapes made of two boxes. Learn more: Finding the volume of a box
- Classifying two-dimensional figures by properties, knowing that what is true of all parallelograms is true of rectangles. Learn more: Why a square is also a rectangle
Sample questions to try together
These are real questions from our practice. Tap the speaker to hear one read aloud, or the light bulb for a hint, and talk about the answer together.
Question 1 of 3
Nadia asks for 3/4 pound of sliced turkey at the deli. How many ounces of turkey is that?
- 4 ounces
- 9 ounces
- 12 ounces
How you can help
- Look at milk jugs at the store and ask how many quarts make 2 1/2 gallons, 10. Then ask how many cups that is, 40.
- Measure a cooler, bin, or box together and multiply length × width × height. Ask your child to name the unit, like cubic inches, and explain what it counts.
- Point out tiles, windows, and signs on a walk or ride. Ask your child whether each shape is a parallelogram, and if so, what must be true of its sides.
Where kids can get stuck
- Forgetting to convert back at the end, answering 40 cups when the question asked for quarts, which is 10.
- Multiplying only length and width, so the answer is really the area of the base.
- Thinking a rectangle is not a parallelogram because it has right angles.
Practice makes perfect
Bobby's Math Club has practice problems that adapt to your child’s level, each with a detailed explanation and an easy-to-follow video, so your child can build confidence in these skills one step at a time.
Words your child will hear
- convert
- To change a measurement into a different unit, like feet into inches.
- gallon
- A large customary unit of liquid equal to 4 quarts.
- quart
- A unit for liquids; 4 quarts make 1 gallon.
- volume
- The amount of space inside a solid, measured in cubic units.
- cubic unit
- The unit for volume, like a cubic inch or a cubic centimeter.
- rectangular prism
- A solid shaped like a box, such as a cereal box or a brick.
- parallelogram
- A quadrilateral whose opposite sides are parallel and the same length.
- property
- A feature that describes a shape, like having four right angles.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with volume and measurement?
In Bobby's Math Club, your child practices these skills at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free.
Join the club
Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.
Which math standards does Saxon Math Grade 5 Section 4 cover?
Saxon Math Grade 5 Section 4 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
- 5.MD.A.1: Convert between units, like feet and yards, to solve problems.
- 5.MD.C.3: Understand volume: how many cubes it takes to fill a solid shape.
- 5.MD.C.5: Find the volume of a box by multiplying its length, width, and height.
- 5.G.B.3: Know that a square has everything a rectangle has, because it is one.
For teachers: Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence. Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow.