mL to L Converter
Convert milliliters (mL) to liters (L) with precision controls. Simple metric conversion: 1000 mL = 1 L.
Conversion Result
📐 Conversion Formulas
mL to Liters:
Key Relationship:
- 1 liter = 1000 milliliters (exact by definition)
- 1 milliliter = 0.001 liters
- 1 mL = 1 cubic centimeter (cm³ or cc)
📝 Step-by-Step Calculation
Enter a value and convert to see the step-by-step breakdown.
Common Daily Examples
Here are some everyday items and their volumes in both mL and L:
Understanding Milliliters and Liters
Milliliters and liters are both metric units of volume, making conversion between them straightforward. The metric system uses powers of 10, so the relationship is always exact.
What Is a Milliliter?
A milliliter (mL) is a metric unit of volume equal to one-thousandth of a liter. The prefix "milli-" means 1/1000. Milliliters are commonly used for small volumes like medications, cooking ingredients, and beverages. One milliliter is exactly equal to one cubic centimeter (cc or cm³).
What Is a Liter?
A liter (L) is the base metric unit for volume in everyday use. It equals 1,000 milliliters or 1 cubic decimeter (dm³). Liters are used for larger volumes like beverage containers, fuel, and bulk liquids.
Metric Prefixes Explained
The metric system uses consistent prefixes to indicate multiples or fractions of the base unit:
- milli- (m): 1/1000 (0.001) — 1 mL = 0.001 L
- centi- (c): 1/100 (0.01) — 1 cL = 0.01 L
- deci- (d): 1/10 (0.1) — 1 dL = 0.1 L
- kilo- (k): 1000 — 1 kL = 1000 L
When to Use mL vs L
Use milliliters for small, precise measurements (medicines, cooking ingredients, laboratory work). Use liters for larger quantities (beverages, fuel, swimming pools). Generally, if the volume is less than 1 liter, express it in mL for clarity.
Quick Reference Table
Common mL to L conversions:
| Milliliters (mL) | Liters (L) | Common Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.001 | Drop of water |
| 5 | 0.005 | Teaspoon |
| 15 | 0.015 | Tablespoon |
| 100 | 0.1 | Small glass |
| 250 | 0.25 | Measuring cup |
| 500 | 0.5 | Water bottle |
| 750 | 0.75 | Wine bottle |
| 1000 | 1 | Milk carton |
| 2000 | 2 | Large soda bottle |
| 5000 | 5 | Water jug |
Frequently Asked Questions
There are exactly 1000 milliliters (mL) in 1 liter (L). This is an exact relationship by definition in the metric system.
Divide the number of milliliters by 1000 to get liters. For example, 500 mL ÷ 1000 = 0.5 L. Alternatively, move the decimal point 3 places to the left.
500 mL equals 0.5 liters (half a liter). This is the size of a standard water bottle.
250 mL equals 0.25 liters (a quarter liter). This is about the size of a typical coffee cup or metric measuring cup.
Yes, 1 milliliter (mL) equals exactly 1 cubic centimeter (cc or cm³) by definition. They can be used interchangeably. The term "cc" is commonly used in medical contexts.
Use milliliters for small volumes (under 1 liter), such as cooking ingredients, medicines, and small beverages. Use liters for larger volumes like fuel, bulk liquids, and large containers.
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