The following activity sheets will give your students practice in reading simple graduated cylinder measurements.

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If you are working with liquids in a lab setting you will constantly be working we a graduated cylinder. We commonly use them to measure the volume of a liquid. If you look at the name, it makes a great deal of sense. It is graduated because of the graduated (layered) lines labeled on the side of the cylinder shape. In most cases, you will be measuring the volume of aqueous (a substance dissolved in water) solutions. These solutions tend to stick to the sides of the cylinder due to surface tension and this usually causes the top of the solution to be curved forming what we call the meniscus bubble. We read the bottom of that bubble to indicate the value of the volume.

These worksheets explain how to read graduated cylinders. Scales are presented as tic marks between whole numbers, and answers will include decimals. Answers should be presented in ml.



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Graduated Cylinders Worksheets

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Reading A Cylinder Worksheet

Students will practice reading measures on graduated cylinders. Nine problems are provided.

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Measurement Practice

Take your time with these and draw an eye line view to the meniscus to demonstrate a proper reading. Write the measure of the liquid found in each.

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Practice Drill

Find the liquid volume that is measured in each drawing. Take your time and read from the meniscus bubble for each exercise.

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How to Read a Graduated Cylinder

Do you know what a graduated cylinder is? Let's take a look! A graduated cylinder is like a measurement instrument. Just like thermometers are used for measuring a person's body temperature, or rain gauges are used for measuring the rainfall, similarly, graduated cylinders are used in science laboratories for measuring liquids accurately. They can even be used in for cooking or dispensing drinks. Can you read graduated cylinders? Let's see how we can do that together! Here's what you have to do; Place the graduated cylinder on a flat surface. View the height of the liquid in the cylinder. Make sure that your eyes are on the right level as the liquid. The liquid tends to curve a little downward. This curve is called the meniscus. Remember to always read at the bottom of the meniscus. Give your answers in mm. You're done!