cc to mL Converter
Convert cubic centimeters (cc) to milliliters (mL) — they're exactly the same!
Cubic centimeters and milliliters are equivalent by definition.
Conversion Result
📐 Conversion Formula
Key Relationship:
- 1 cc = 1 mL = 1 cm³ (exact equivalence)
- 1000 cc = 1000 mL = 1 liter
- The conversion ratio is exactly 1:1
📝 Step-by-Step Calculation
Enter a value and convert to see the step-by-step breakdown.
Common Uses of cc and mL
Although cc and mL are the same, each term is preferred in different contexts:
Medical
Syringes and medication dosages often use "cc" (e.g., "inject 5 cc").
Automotive
Engine displacement is measured in cc (e.g., "600 cc motorcycle").
Laboratory
Scientific work typically uses mL for liquid measurements.
Cooking
Recipes use mL as part of the metric system.
Understanding cc and mL
The abbreviation "cc" stands for cubic centimeter (cm³), while "mL" stands for milliliter. By definition in the metric system, these two units are exactly equivalent. This means any value in cc is the same value in mL — no calculation is actually needed!
Why Do Both Terms Exist?
The terms come from different measurement contexts:
- cc (cubic centimeter): Derived from length measurement — a cube 1 cm × 1 cm × 1 cm
- mL (milliliter): Derived from volume measurement — 1/1000 of a liter
The metric system was designed so that 1 mL equals exactly 1 cm³, creating this convenient 1:1 relationship.
Medical Context
In medical settings, "cc" has historically been more common, especially for syringes and injections. However, many medical organizations now recommend using "mL" to avoid confusion with other abbreviations. Both are still widely used and mean the same thing.
Engine Displacement
When describing engine size (like a "250 cc motorcycle" or "2000 cc car engine"), cc refers to the total volume swept by all pistons inside the cylinders. This is also sometimes expressed in liters (e.g., 2.0 L engine = 2000 cc engine).
Quick Reference Table
Common cc to mL conversions (note: they're the same!):
| cc | mL | Liters | Common Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0.001 | Small syringe unit |
| 3 | 3 | 0.003 | Standard syringe |
| 5 | 5 | 0.005 | Teaspoon (metric) |
| 10 | 10 | 0.01 | Large syringe |
| 50 | 50 | 0.05 | Small engine (moped) |
| 250 | 250 | 0.25 | Scooter engine |
| 600 | 600 | 0.6 | Sport motorcycle |
| 1000 | 1000 | 1 | 1 liter / large motorcycle |
| 2000 | 2000 | 2 | Car engine (2.0 L) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, cc and mL are exactly the same. 1 cubic centimeter (cc or cm³) equals exactly 1 milliliter (mL) by definition in the metric system. They can be used interchangeably.
"cc" has been traditional in medical settings, especially for syringes and injections. However, many medical organizations now prefer "mL" to avoid potential confusion with other abbreviations. Both terms are still used and mean the same thing.
No conversion is needed! Simply use the same number. 10 cc = 10 mL. 50 cc = 50 mL. The values are identical.
In engines, "cc" refers to the engine's displacement — the total volume of all the cylinders. A 600 cc motorcycle engine has cylinders with a combined volume of 600 cubic centimeters (or 0.6 liters).
Syringes come in various sizes, commonly 1 cc, 3 cc, 5 cc, 10 cc, 20 cc, and 60 cc. These are equivalent to the same numbers in mL. A "3 cc syringe" holds 3 mL of liquid.
Yes, approximately. By the original definition of the metric system, 1 mL (= 1 cc) of water at 4°C has a mass of exactly 1 gram. In practice, this is very close at normal temperatures, making the cc/mL convenient for water-based calculations.