Liter to Fluid ounce Converter
Convert liters to fluid ounces with our free online volume converter.
Quick Answer
1 Liter = 33.814023 fluid ounces
Formula: Liter × conversion factor = Fluid ounce
Use the calculator below for instant, accurate conversions.
Our Accuracy Guarantee
All conversion formulas on UnitsConverter.io have been verified against NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) guidelines and international SI standards. Our calculations are accurate to 10 decimal places for standard conversions and use arbitrary precision arithmetic for astronomical units.
Liter to Fluid ounce Calculator
How to Use the Liter to Fluid ounce Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Liter).
- The converted value in Fluid ounce will appear automatically in the 'To' field.
- Use the dropdown menus to select different units within the Volume category.
- Click the swap button (⇌) to reverse the conversion direction.
How to Convert Liter to Fluid ounce: Step-by-Step Guide
Converting Liter to Fluid ounce involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Liter = 33.81402 fluid ouncesExample Calculation:
Convert 10 liters: 10 × 33.81402 = 338.1402 fluid ounces
Disclaimer: For Reference Only
These conversion results are provided for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the precision of these results, especially for conversions involving extremely large or small numbers which may be subject to the inherent limitations of standard computer floating-point arithmetic.
Not for professional use. Results should be verified before use in any critical application. View our Terms of Service for more information.
Need to convert to other volume units?
View all Volume conversions →What is a Liter and a Fluid ounce?
The liter (US spelling) or litre (International spelling) (symbol: L or l) is a metric unit of volume commonly used for measuring liquids and some bulk solids.
Official Definition: One liter is defined as exactly one cubic decimeter (1 dm³), which equals:
- 1,000 cubic centimeters (cm³)
- 0.001 cubic meters (m³)
- 1,000 milliliters (mL)
Key relationships:
- 1 liter = 1,000 milliliters (mL)
- 1 liter = 100 centiliters (cL)
- 1 liter = 10 deciliters (dL)
- 1,000 liters = 1 cubic meter (m³)
- 1 liter = 1 cubic decimeter (dm³)
In terms of US customary units:
- 1 liter ≈ 0.264172 US gallons - Convert L to gallons
- 1 liter ≈ 33.814 US fluid ounces - Convert L to fl oz
- 1 liter ≈ 4.227 US cups - Convert L to cups
- 1 liter ≈ 2.113 US pints - Convert L to pints
- 1 liter ≈ 1.057 US quarts - Convert L to quarts
Visual perspective (how much is it?):
- 1 liter ≈ Large water bottle
- 1 liter ≈ Four standard drinking glasses (250mL each)
- 1 liter ≈ About 1/4 US gallon
- 2 liters ≈ Standard soda bottle
- 5 liters ≈ Large cooking pot
- 10 liters ≈ Standard bucket
Important note: The liter is not a base SI unit (the cubic meter is), but it is accepted for use with SI units and is the most common volume measurement globally for liquids.
Convert between volume units: liter converter
The fluid ounce (symbol: fl oz or fl. oz.) is a unit of volume used primarily in the United States for measuring liquids.
US Fluid Ounce (Standard in America)
US fluid ounce = exactly 29.5735295625 milliliters
Defined as: 1/128 of a US gallon
Mathematical relationships:
- 2 tablespoons = 1 fluid ounce
- 8 fluid ounces = 1 cup
- 16 fluid ounces = 1 pint
- 32 fluid ounces = 1 quart
- 128 fluid ounces = 1 gallon
Imperial Fluid Ounce (UK)
Imperial fluid ounce = exactly 28.4130625 milliliters (about 4% smaller than US)
Defined as: 1/160 of an Imperial gallon
Key difference: The Imperial gallon (4.546 L) is larger than the US gallon (3.785 L), but divided into more fluid ounces, making each Imperial fluid ounce slightly smaller than the US version.
Fluid Ounce vs. Weight Ounce
This is the most common source of confusion:
Fluid ounce (fl oz): Measures volume (capacity/space)
- Used for: liquids (water, milk, juice, oil)
- 1 fl oz = 29.57 mL
- Measured with measuring cups
Ounce (oz): Measures weight/mass
- Used for: solid foods (flour, sugar, meat, cheese)
- 1 oz = 28.35 grams
- Measured with a scale
For water only: 1 fluid ounce of water weighs approximately 1.04 ounces by weight. This near-equivalence was intentional historically but leads to confusion because it doesn't apply to other liquids.
Example of the difference:
- 8 fl oz of water weighs about 8.3 oz (by weight)
- 8 fl oz of honey weighs about 12 oz (honey is denser)
- 8 fl oz of vegetable oil weighs about 7.6 oz (oil is less dense)
Note: The Liter is part of the metric (SI) system, primarily used globally in science and trade. The Fluid ounce belongs to the imperial/US customary system.
History of the Liter and Fluid ounce
-
French Revolution Origins (1795): The liter was introduced in France as part of the new metric system during the revolutionary period. It was defined as the volume of one cubic decimeter (a cube 10 cm on each side), making it directly related to the meter.
-
Original Name: Initially called the "cadil," the name was quickly changed to "litron" and then simplified to "litre" (liter in US English). The name derives from an old French measurement unit.
-
Water-Based Definition (1795-1901): For a time, the liter was defined as the volume occupied by one kilogram of pure water at maximum density (approximately 4°C) and standard atmospheric pressure. This created a slight discrepancy with the cubic decimeter definition.
-
Redefinition to Cubic Decimeter (1901): The 3rd CGPM redefined the liter to be exactly equal to one cubic decimeter (1 dm³), eliminating the water-based definition and any slight variations.
-
Symbol Confusion (pre-1979): For many years, the lowercase "l" was the standard symbol for liter. However, this caused confusion with the number "1" in many fonts, especially in printed materials and handwriting.
-
Uppercase "L" Adoption (1979): At the 16th General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM), the uppercase "L" was officially approved as an alternative symbol to reduce confusion. Today, both "L" and "l" are acceptable, though "L" is strongly preferred in North America and becoming more common worldwide.
-
SI Status: The liter is not technically an SI base unit or derived unit. The official SI unit for volume is the cubic meter (m³). However, the liter is specifically accepted for use with the SI system due to its widespread use and convenience for everyday measurements.
-
Global Adoption: The liter became the standard unit for liquids in metric countries throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Today it's used for:
- Beverage containers worldwide
- Fuel sales in most countries
- Cooking measurements in metric recipes
- Engine displacement (car engines)
- Medical fluid measurements
- Laboratory work
-
United States Usage: While the US primarily uses gallons for fuel and many beverages, liter bottles (1L, 2L, etc.) are standard for soft drinks, and liters are increasingly used in scientific, medical, and automotive contexts.
-
Cultural Note: The spelling "litre" is used in most English-speaking countries (UK, Canada, Australia), while "liter" is the American spelling. Both refer to the same unit.
Medieval Origins: Weight to Volume
Weight-Based Liquid Trade: In medieval England, wine, ale, and other liquids were originally sold by weight using the avoirdupois ounce (28.35 grams for weight).
Practical Problem: Weighing liquids was impractical for taverns and merchants who needed to pour drinks quickly. They needed a volume measurement.
Solution: The fluid ounce was created to represent the volume that a certain weight of liquid would occupy. For water, this created a convenient relationship: 1 fluid ounce of water weighs approximately 1 ounce.
1707: Wine Gallon Standardization (Colonial America)
Queen Anne's Wine Gallon: In 1707, England standardized the wine gallon at exactly 231 cubic inches. The fluid ounce was defined as 1/128 of this wine gallon.
American Adoption: When the United States gained independence, it retained the wine gallon system, including the fluid ounce as 1/128 of a gallon.
1824: Imperial System Divergence
British Imperial System: In 1824, Britain adopted the Imperial system, replacing the wine gallon with the larger Imperial gallon (277.42 cubic inches instead of 231).
Two Different Fluid Ounces:
- US fluid ounce: Remained 1/128 of the wine gallon (29.57 mL)
- Imperial fluid ounce: Became 1/160 of the Imperial gallon (28.41 mL)
This divergence created confusion that persists today, especially in international recipes and product labeling.
1959: International Agreement
Gallon Defined in Metric: The 1959 international yard and pound agreement defined the US gallon as exactly 231 cubic inches, which equals exactly 3.785411784 liters.
Fluid Ounce Fixed: This automatically defined the US fluid ounce as exactly 1/128 of 3.785411784 liters = 29.5735295625 milliliters.
Modern Usage
US Standard: The United States continues to use fluid ounces extensively for beverages, recipes, and product labeling.
UK Transition: The United Kingdom officially adopted the metric system but still uses Imperial fluid ounces alongside milliliters in some contexts (especially pints in pubs—568 mL).
Global Context: Most of the world uses milliliters and liters exclusively. Only the US, Myanmar, and Liberia primarily use non-metric volume units.
Common Uses and Applications: liters vs fluid ounces
Explore the typical applications for both Liter (metric) and Fluid ounce (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for liters
The liter is the standard volume measurement for liquids and some solids globally:
Beverage Industry
Universal standard for bottling, labeling, and selling drinks worldwide. Essential for consistent product sizing and international trade.
Beverage applications:
- Bottled water (0.5 L, 1 L, 1.5 L standard sizes)
- Soft drinks (2 L bottles most common)
- Milk and dairy products (1 L, 2 L cartons)
- Juices and nectars (1 L tetrapacks)
- Beer and alcoholic beverages (0.33 L, 0.5 L, 0.75 L)
- Sports drinks (0.5 L, 1 L bottles)
Why liters in beverages:
- International standard for labeling
- Easy conversion between sizes (500 mL = 0.5 L)
- Consumer-friendly measurements
- Manufacturing efficiency
Convert for beverage measurements: liters to fl oz
Cooking and Recipes
Standard measurement in metric recipes and professional cooking for both liquids and volume-based ingredients.
Cooking uses:
- Recipe measurements (water, stock, milk)
- Mixing bowl and pot capacities
- Kitchen appliance sizes (blenders, food processors)
- Baking (less common, but sometimes used)
- Restaurant portion control
- Commercial food preparation
Common recipe amounts:
- 250 mL (0.25 L) = 1 cup
- 500 mL (0.5 L) = 2 cups
- 1 L = 4 cups
- Stock/broth often sold in 1 L cartons
Fuel and Automotive
Standard for fuel sales and engine displacement in most countries worldwide.
Automotive applications:
- Fuel sales: Priced per liter (except US, which uses gallons)
- Engine displacement: 2.0 L engine, 3.5 L V6, etc.
- Fuel efficiency: L/100km or km/L
- Fuel tank capacity: Measured in liters
- Motor oil: Sold in 1 L, 4 L, 5 L containers
- Coolant and fluids: Measured in liters
Example fuel efficiency:
- Small car: 6 L/100km
- SUV: 12 L/100km
- Truck: 15 L/100km
Why liters in automotive:
- Global standard for fuel (except US)
- Easy calculations for trip planning
- Engine displacement universally understood
- International vehicle specifications
Medical and Healthcare
Critical for IV fluids, medication preparation, and fluid balance monitoring in hospitals and clinics.
Medical uses:
- IV fluid bags (0.25 L, 0.5 L, 1 L)
- Blood volume measurements
- Urine output tracking
- Dialysis fluid volumes
- Medication dilution
- Oxygen delivery systems
- Laboratory solutions
Fluid balance:
- Intake: Track all fluids consumed (L per day)
- Output: Monitor urine, drainage (L per day)
- Critical for ICU patients and kidney disease
Laboratory and Science
Standard for solution preparation, chemical storage, and volume measurements in research and industrial labs.
Laboratory applications:
- Solution preparation (1 L volumetric flasks)
- Chemical storage (reagent bottles)
- Buffer solutions (often made in 1 L batches)
- Culture media (bacterial/cell cultures)
- Analytical chemistry measurements
- Solvent storage
Why liters in labs:
- Directly related to molarity (moles per liter)
- Standard glassware sizes (250 mL, 500 mL, 1 L, 2 L)
- Easy calculations for dilutions
- International scientific standard
Agriculture and Irrigation
Essential for irrigation planning, fertilizer mixing, and crop water management.
Agricultural uses:
- Irrigation system output (L per hour/minute)
- Plant watering requirements (L per plant)
- Pesticide and fertilizer dilution (per 100 L of water)
- Greenhouse watering systems
- Livestock water consumption
- Aquaculture (fish tank volumes)
Example water needs:
- Tomato plant: 2-4 L per day (peak season)
- Young tree: 15-20 L per watering
- Mature tree: 40-100 L per watering
Industrial and Manufacturing
Used for measuring bulk liquids, chemicals, and production capacities in factories and plants.
Industrial applications:
- Chemical processing (batch sizes in liters)
- Paint and coatings (sold in L)
- Lubricants and oils (drums of 200 L)
- Water treatment (flow rates in L/min)
- Beverage production (thousands of L per batch)
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing
Everyday Life (Metric Countries)
Daily measurements for drinks, cooking, fuel, and household products in 95% of the world.
Personal use:
- Drinking water intake (2-3 L per day recommended)
- Grocery shopping (milk, juice, cleaning products)
- Cooking and baking
- Fuel purchases (filling car tank)
- Garden watering
- Aquariums and pet care
Use our liter converter for everyday conversions.
When to Use fluid ounces
Beverage Industry Standard
Product Labeling: US beverages required to show fluid ounces:
- "Contents: 12 fl oz (355 mL)"
- "Serving size: 8 fl oz (240 mL)"
- Dual labeling helps metric-using countries
Serving Sizes: Standardized for nutrition labels:
- Soft drinks: 8 fl oz serving (though cans are 12 fl oz)
- Juice: 8 fl oz serving
- Energy drinks: varies, often 8 fl oz
Bar and Restaurant:
- Draft beer: served in 12 fl oz, 16 fl oz (pint), 20 fl oz sizes
- Wine by the glass: 5 fl oz, 6 fl oz, 9 fl oz pours
- Mixed drinks: recipes measured in fl oz (jiggers)
Cooking and Recipe Instructions
American Recipes: Nearly all US recipes use fluid ounces and cups:
- "Add 4 fl oz milk (1/2 cup)"
- "Pour in 8 fl oz chicken stock (1 cup)"
- Cups are more common, but fl oz appears on measuring cups
Liquid Measuring Cups: Marked with both:
- Fluid ounces: 2, 4, 6, 8 fl oz markings
- Cups: 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 1 cup markings
- Milliliters: 50, 100, 150, 200, 250 mL markings
Recipe Scaling: Fluid ounces make doubling/halving easy:
- Original: 8 fl oz
- Double: 16 fl oz
- Half: 4 fl oz
Nutrition Facts and Food Labeling
Serving Size: US nutrition labels show fluid ounces:
- "Serving Size: 8 fl oz (240 mL)"
- "Servings Per Container: About 2 (16 fl oz bottle)"
Comparison Shopping: Unit pricing often per fluid ounce:
- "Price per fl oz: $0.15"
- Helps consumers compare different package sizes
Dietary Guidelines: Recommendations in fluid ounces:
- Water intake: 64 fl oz (8 cups) per day common guideline
- Juice limit: no more than 4-6 fl oz daily for children
Bartending and Mixology
Cocktail Recipes: Professional bartenders measure in fl oz:
- Margarita: 2 fl oz tequila, 1 fl oz lime juice, 1 fl oz triple sec
- Martini: 2.5 fl oz gin, 0.5 fl oz vermouth
- Old Fashioned: 2 fl oz whiskey, plus bitters and sugar
Bar Tools:
- Jigger: double-sided measuring cup (1 fl oz / 1.5 fl oz or 1 fl oz / 2 fl oz)
- Shot glass: 1.5 fl oz standard (though varies)
- Speed pourer: trained bartenders pour accurate fl oz by count
Standard Drink Definition: US defines standard drink as:
- 1.5 fl oz distilled spirits (40% ABV)
- 5 fl oz wine (12% ABV)
- 12 fl oz beer (5% ABV)
Cosmetics and Personal Care
Product Sizing: Cosmetics sold in fluid ounces:
- Perfume: 0.5 fl oz, 1 fl oz, 1.7 fl oz, 3.4 fl oz
- Foundation: 1 fl oz, 1.7 fl oz typical
- Shampoo/conditioner: 8 fl oz, 12 fl oz, 16 fl oz, 32 fl oz
TSA Liquid Limit: Air travel restrictions:
- Maximum container: 3.4 fl oz (100 mL)
- Total carry-on: 1 quart bag (32 fl oz capacity)
Travel Sizes: Products marketed as "TSA-friendly":
- 3 fl oz or smaller containers
Additional Unit Information
About Liter (L)
How much is 1 liter visually?
One liter is about the volume of a large water bottle or slightly more than a quart.
Visual comparisons:
- Large water bottle: Standard 1 L bottle
- Two standard soda cans: 2 × 355 mL ≈ 0.71 L (close)
- Four standard glasses: 4 × 250 mL = 1 L
- Milk carton: Often 1 L size
- Slightly larger than a quart: 1 L = 1.057 quarts
Physical dimensions:
- A cube 10 cm × 10 cm × 10 cm = exactly 1 L
- This is the definition: 1 cubic decimeter
To remember: Picture a standard water or soda bottle - that's about 1 liter.
How many milliliters are in a liter?
There are exactly 1,000 milliliters (mL) in one liter.
Why 1,000?: The prefix "milli-" means 1/1,000.
Conversion:
- 1 liter (L) = 1,000 milliliters (mL)
- To convert L to mL: multiply by 1,000
- To convert mL to L: divide by 1,000
Examples:
- 0.5 L = 500 mL
- 1.5 L = 1,500 mL
- 2 L = 2,000 mL
- 0.25 L = 250 mL (one cup)
- 0.355 L = 355 mL (soda can)
Remember: Move the decimal point three places:
- L → mL: Move right (1.5 L = 1,500 mL)
- mL → L: Move left (500 mL = 0.5 L)
Use our liter to mL converter for instant conversions.
How many liters are in a gallon?
US gallon: 1 US gallon = 3.78541 liters (about 3.8 L) UK gallon: 1 UK gallon = 4.54609 liters (about 4.5 L)
US gallon conversion:
- 1 US gallon ≈ 3.785 liters
- 2 gallons ≈ 7.57 liters
- 5 gallons ≈ 18.93 liters
- 10 gallons ≈ 37.85 liters
Reverse (liters to US gallons):
- 1 liter ≈ 0.264 US gallons
- 4 liters ≈ 1.06 US gallons
- 10 liters ≈ 2.64 US gallons
Why two different gallons?
- US (liquid) gallon: 3.785 L
- Imperial (UK) gallon: 4.546 L
- Always specify which gallon!
Quick mental math:
- 4 liters ≈ 1 US gallon (slightly more)
- 4.5 liters ≈ 1 UK gallon
Convert: liters to gallons | gallons to liters
Is a liter exactly 1 kilogram of water?
Almost, but not exactly. For pure water at 4°C, 1 liter weighs very close to 1 kilogram, but they're different types of measurements.
The relationship:
- 1 liter of water ≈ 1 kilogram (at 4°C, maximum density)
- This is approximate, not exact definition
- Temperature affects water density slightly
Why the confusion?
- The original kilogram definition (1795) was based on 1 liter of water
- This connection was later broken when definitions were refined
- Now they're independently defined
Important distinction:
- Liter: Measures volume (space occupied)
- Kilogram: Measures mass (amount of matter)
- For water: 1 L ≈ 1 kg (convenient coincidence)
- For other liquids: Different (oil, milk, alcohol have different densities)
Examples:
- 1 L water ≈ 1 kg
- 1 L milk ≈ 1.03 kg
- 1 L olive oil ≈ 0.92 kg
- 1 L gasoline ≈ 0.74 kg
How do you convert liters to cups?
To convert liters to US cups, multiply by approximately 4.227.
Conversion formula: cups = liters × 4.22675
Examples:
- 1 liter = 4.23 cups
- 0.5 liters = 2.11 cups
- 2 liters = 8.45 cups
- 0.25 liters = 1.06 cups (about 1 cup)
Reverse conversion (cups to liters):
- 1 US cup = 0.236588 liters (about 237 mL)
- 2 cups = 0.473 liters
- 4 cups = 0.947 liters (about 1 L)
Metric recipe approximation:
- Many metric recipes use 250 mL as "1 cup"
- This makes 1 L = exactly 4 "cups"
- Simpler, but slightly different from US cup (236.588 mL)
Why 4.227?
- 1 US cup = 236.588 mL (official)
- 1,000 mL ÷ 236.588 mL/cup = 4.227 cups
Use our liter to cups converter for precise conversions.
What is the difference between L and l for liter?
No difference in measurement - both symbols represent the same unit, one liter.
Symbol variations:
- L (uppercase): Officially approved in 1979, preferred
- l (lowercase): Original symbol, still valid
- Both are correct and mean exactly the same thing
Why the uppercase "L"?
- Lowercase "l" looks like number "1" in many fonts
- Created confusion in medical prescriptions and recipes
- 1979: CGPM approved uppercase "L" to reduce errors
- Especially important for handwriting
Current practice:
- North America: Almost exclusively uses "L"
- Europe: Mixed usage, both "L" and "l" common
- Scientific papers: Increasingly using "L"
- Medical field: Strongly prefers "L" for safety
Other symbols (not standard):
- "ℓ" (script L): Sometimes used but not official
- "lt" or "ltr": Abbreviations, not official symbols
Remember: Whether you see "L" or "l," it's the same measurement - one liter.
How many liters should I drink per day?
General recommendation: 2-3 liters (8-12 cups) of total fluids per day for adults.
Specific recommendations:
- Women: ~2.7 liters (11 cups) total fluids per day
- Men: ~3.7 liters (15 cups) total fluids per day
- Includes: Water, beverages, food moisture
Water intake specifically:
- Women: ~2-2.2 liters of plain water
- Men: ~2.5-3 liters of plain water
- "8×8 rule": 8 glasses of 8 oz = ~1.9 liters (minimum)
Factors that increase needs:
- Exercise and sweating
- Hot weather
- Illness (fever, vomiting, diarrhea)
- Pregnancy (2.3 L) or breastfeeding (3.1 L)
- High altitude
- High-fiber diet
Factors that decrease needs:
- High water-content foods (fruits, vegetables)
- Other beverages (tea, coffee, juice)
- Cold weather
- Sedentary lifestyle
Signs of adequate hydration:
- Pale yellow urine
- Urinating every 2-4 hours
- Not feeling thirsty
Remember: Individual needs vary - listen to your body and drink when thirsty.
How do you convert liters to fluid ounces?
To convert liters to US fluid ounces, multiply by approximately 33.814.
Conversion formula: fl oz = liters × 33.814
Examples:
- 1 liter = 33.8 fl oz
- 0.5 liters = 16.9 fl oz (small water bottle)
- 2 liters = 67.6 fl oz (large soda bottle)
- 0.355 liters = 12 fl oz (soda can)
Reverse conversion (fl oz to liters):
- 1 US fl oz = 0.0296 liters (29.57 mL)
- 8 fl oz (1 cup) = 0.237 liters
- 16 fl oz (1 pint) = 0.473 liters
- 32 fl oz (1 quart) = 0.946 liters
UK vs US fluid ounce:
- US fluid ounce: 29.57 mL
- UK (imperial) fluid ounce: 28.41 mL
- Slightly different!
Why 33.814?
- 1 liter = 1,000 mL
- 1 US fl oz = 29.5735 mL
- 1,000 ÷ 29.5735 = 33.814 fl oz
Use our liter to fluid ounce converter for accurate conversions.
What is 2 liters in ounces?
2 liters = 67.628 US fluid ounces (commonly rounded to 67.6 fl oz or 68 fl oz).
Calculation: 2 L × 33.814 fl oz/L = 67.628 fl oz
Common context:
- 2 L soda bottle: Standard large bottle size
- Just over 2 quarts: 2 L = 2.11 quarts
- Just over half gallon: 2 L = 0.528 US gallons
- About 8.5 cups: 2 L = 8.45 cups
Related conversions:
- 1 L = 33.8 fl oz
- 1.5 L = 50.7 fl oz
- 2 L = 67.6 fl oz
- 2.5 L = 84.5 fl oz
- 3 L = 101.4 fl oz
Visual reference:
- Standard soda bottle = 2 L = 67.6 fl oz
- Two 1 L bottles = 2 L
- Eight 8 oz glasses + a little more = 2 L
Convert any volume: liters to fl oz converter
Is the liter an SI unit?
Technically no, but yes for practical purposes.
Official status:
- Not a base SI unit: The official SI unit for volume is the cubic meter (m³)
- Accepted for use with SI: The liter is specifically approved for use alongside SI units
- Widely used: The liter is far more common than cubic meters for everyday measurements
Why it's accepted:
- Defined in SI terms: 1 L = 1 dm³ = 0.001 m³
- Decimal-based like all SI units
- Convenient size for everyday use
- Avoids awkward decimals (0.001 m³ vs 1 L)
Historical note:
- Originally defined as metric unit in 1795
- Kept when SI was established in 1960
- Given special status due to widespread use
In practice:
- Scientists use liters routinely (especially chemistry)
- Cubic meters used for large volumes (rooms, tanks)
- Cubic centimeters (= mL) used for small volumes
- Liter fills the practical middle ground
Remember: While not technically an SI base unit, the liter is fully compatible with and accepted for use with the SI system.
How many liters in a cubic meter?
There are exactly 1,000 liters in one cubic meter.
Conversion:
- 1 cubic meter (m³) = 1,000 liters (L)
- 1 liter = 0.001 cubic meters (or 1/1,000 m³)
Why 1,000?
- 1 liter = 1 cubic decimeter (dm³)
- 1 meter = 10 decimeters
- 1 m³ = 10 × 10 × 10 dm³ = 1,000 dm³ = 1,000 L
Examples:
- 0.5 m³ = 500 liters
- 2 m³ = 2,000 liters
- 0.001 m³ = 1 liter
- 50 m³ = 50,000 liters (small swimming pool)
Practical uses:
- Swimming pool: 50 m³ = 50,000 L
- Water tank: 2 m³ = 2,000 L
- Aquarium: 0.5 m³ = 500 L
- Room volume: Calculate in m³, not liters
When to use which:
- Liters: Liquids, containers, bottles (< 1,000 L)
- Cubic meters: Large volumes, rooms, pools, tanks (> 1,000 L)
Convert: liters to m³ | m³ to liters
Conversion Table: Liter to Fluid ounce
| Liter (L) | Fluid ounce (fl oz) |
|---|---|
| 0.5 | 16.907 |
| 1 | 33.814 |
| 1.5 | 50.721 |
| 2 | 67.628 |
| 5 | 169.07 |
| 10 | 338.14 |
| 25 | 845.351 |
| 50 | 1,690.701 |
| 100 | 3,381.402 |
| 250 | 8,453.506 |
| 500 | 16,907.011 |
| 1,000 | 33,814.023 |
People Also Ask
How do I convert Liter to Fluid ounce?
To convert Liter to Fluid ounce, enter the value in Liter in the calculator above. The conversion will happen automatically. Use our free online converter for instant and accurate results. You can also visit our volume converter page to convert between other units in this category.
Learn more →What is the conversion factor from Liter to Fluid ounce?
The conversion factor depends on the specific relationship between Liter and Fluid ounce. You can find the exact conversion formula and factor on this page. Our calculator handles all calculations automatically. See the conversion table above for common values.
Can I convert Fluid ounce back to Liter?
Yes! You can easily convert Fluid ounce back to Liter by using the swap button (⇌) in the calculator above, or by visiting our Fluid ounce to Liter converter page. You can also explore other volume conversions on our category page.
Learn more →What are common uses for Liter and Fluid ounce?
Liter and Fluid ounce are both standard units used in volume measurements. They are commonly used in various applications including engineering, construction, cooking, and scientific research. Browse our volume converter for more conversion options.
For more volume conversion questions, visit our FAQ page or explore our conversion guides.
Helpful Conversion Guides
Learn more about unit conversion with our comprehensive guides:
📚 How to Convert Units
Step-by-step guide to unit conversion with practical examples.
🔢 Conversion Formulas
Essential formulas for volume and other conversions.
⚖️ Metric vs Imperial
Understand the differences between measurement systems.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
Learn about frequent errors and how to avoid them.
All Volume Conversions
Other Volume Units and Conversions
Explore other volume units and their conversion options:
Verified Against Authority Standards
All conversion formulas have been verified against international standards and authoritative sources to ensure maximum accuracy and reliability.
National Institute of Standards and Technology — Standards for volume measurements
Last verified: December 3, 2025