Liter to Milliliter Converter
Convert liters to milliliters with our free online volume converter.
Quick Answer
1 Liter = 1000 milliliters
Formula: Liter × conversion factor = Milliliter
Use the calculator below for instant, accurate conversions.
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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 Milliliter Calculator
How to Use the Liter to Milliliter Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Liter).
- The converted value in Milliliter 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 Milliliter: Step-by-Step Guide
Converting Liter to Milliliter involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Liter = 1000 millilitersExample Calculation:
Convert 10 liters: 10 × 1000 = 1.0000e+4 milliliters
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 Milliliter?
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 milliliter (symbol: mL or ml) is a unit of volume equal to exactly one-thousandth of a liter (1/1000 L or 0.001 L). Critically, 1 milliliter equals exactly 1 cubic centimeter (1 cm³ or 1 cc).
The milliliter is part of the International System of Units (SI) and uses the metric prefix "milli-" meaning one-thousandth (from Latin mille, "thousand").
Mathematical Relationships
1 milliliter equals:
- 0.001 liters (L)
- 1 cubic centimeter (cm³ or cc) exactly
- 0.000001 cubic meters (m³)
- 0.033814 US fluid ounces (fl oz)
- 0.035195 UK fluid ounces (imperial)
- 0.202884 teaspoons (tsp)
- 0.067628 tablespoons (tbsp)
Key water relationship:
- 1 mL of water weighs 1 gram (at 4°C, maximum density)
This elegant relationship makes metric conversions trivial for water-based solutions.
Milliliter = Cubic Centimeter (cc)
Perfect equivalence: 1 mL = 1 cm³ = 1 cc (all three are identical)
Why this matters:
- Medical syringes often marked in "cc" (cubic centimeters) = milliliters
- Engine displacement: "2000 cc engine" = 2000 mL = 2.0 L
- Laboratory glassware uses both mL and cm³ interchangeably
- A cube with 1 cm sides (1 cm × 1 cm × 1 cm) holds exactly 1 mL
Symbol variations:
- mL (preferred in scientific publishing—avoids confusion with number "1")
- ml (common in everyday use)
- cc (common in medical and automotive contexts)
Why Milliliters?
While the liter is the base metric unit for volume, milliliters are more practical for everyday measurements:
Perfect human scale: Most cooking ingredients, medications, and beverage servings fall into the 5-500 mL range, avoiding decimals.
Avoids decimal confusion: "250 milliliters of milk" is clearer than "0.25 liters of milk" for most people.
Universal adoption: Used in 195+ countries for recipes, medicine, beverages, and laboratory work.
Note: The Liter is part of the metric (SI) system, primarily used globally in science and trade. The Milliliter belongs to the metric (SI) system.
History of the Liter and Milliliter
-
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
French Revolution: Birth of the Liter (1795)
Metric System Creation: The milliliter's story begins with the French Revolution's creation of the liter in 1795.
Water-Based Definition: One liter was originally defined as the volume occupied by one kilogram of pure water at maximum density (approximately 4°C or 39°F).
Elegant Interconnection:
- 1 liter of water = 1 kilogram = 1,000 grams
- 1 milliliter of water = 1 gram
- 1 milliliter = 1 cubic centimeter
This made the metric system beautifully self-consistent—volume, mass, and spatial dimensions all linked through water.
Etymology: The word "liter" comes from the obsolete French unit "litron," which was derived from Medieval Latin "litra" (a unit of mass).
The Medieval Litron: A Pre-Metric Precursor
Before the French Revolution standardized the liter, the "litron" was a measure for grain and salt.
- The Royal Litron: In the 17th century, the litron was roughly equivalent to 0.81 liters. However, because it was often measured using wooden boxes that could warp with humidity, the volume of a litron changed with the seasons.
- The Tax Man's Litron: French peasants often had to pay their taxes in litrons of grain. This created a massive incentive for the crown to "expand" the litron while the peasants tried to "shrink" it, a measurement war that only ended with the precision of the metric milliliter.
The Milliliter in 19th Century Pharmacy
As "Apothecary" shops evolved into modern pharmacies, the "Drop" became a liability.
- The Graduated Minim: Pharmacists used a 1-minim dropper, which was supposed to be 1/60th of a fluid dram. However, because the viscosity of oils versus tinctures resulted in different drop sizes, pharmacists pushed for the adoption of the milliliter as the only legally defensible unit for liquid drugs.
The Prefix "Milli-"
Latin Origin: "Milli-" comes from the Latin "mille" meaning "thousand."
Meaning: Milli- means one-thousandth (1/1000 or 0.001).
Other milli- units:
- Millimeter: 1/1000 meter
- Milligram: 1/1000 gram
- Millisecond: 1/1000 second
- Milliliter: 1/1000 liter
19th Century: Global Spread
1875: Metre Convention: The Treaty of the Metre established international cooperation on measurement standards. The liter (and milliliter) became recognized internationally.
Scientific Adoption: Laboratories worldwide embraced milliliters for precise liquid measurements, replacing inconsistent local units.
Medical Use: By the late 1800s, medicine had standardized on milliliters (or cubic centimeters/cc) for drug dosages and liquid medicines.
1901: Redefinition
Precision Refinement: In 1901, the liter was redefined as the volume of 1 kg of pure water at maximum density under standard atmospheric pressure. This made the liter slightly larger than 1 cubic decimeter (by about 28 parts per million).
1964: Modern Definition
CIPM Decision: The International Committee for Weights and Measures (CIPM) redefined the liter as exactly one cubic decimeter (1 dm³).
Impact on milliliters: 1 milliliter = exactly 1 cubic centimeter (1 cm³), eliminating any tiny discrepancy.
Current definition: The milliliter is now purely geometric—the volume of a cube with 1 cm sides—rather than water-based.
Common Uses and Applications: liters vs milliliters
Explore the typical applications for both Liter (metric) and Milliliter (metric) 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 milliliters
Medicine and Pharmacology
Prescription Medications: Liquid medications measured in milliliters:
- Antibiotics: "Take 10 mL twice daily"
- Cough syrup: "Take 15 mL every 4-6 hours"
- Pain relievers: "Give 5 mL per dose for children"
Dosing Precision: Milliliters allow accurate dosing:
- Pediatric doses often require precision to 0.5 mL
- Adult doses typically 5-30 mL range
- Measuring spoons or syringes marked in mL
IV Fluids: Hospital IV bags measured in mL:
- Saline drip: 1,000 mL bag, infused over hours
- Medication delivery: 50-250 mL piggyback bags
- Fluid intake/output: tracked in mL for patient monitoring
Cooking Worldwide
Global Recipe Standard: Most countries use milliliters for liquid ingredients:
- "Add 250 mL milk"
- "Mix in 30 mL soy sauce"
- "Drizzle with 45 mL olive oil"
Kitchen Measuring Tools:
- Liquid measuring cups: marked in mL (and fluid ounces in US)
- Measuring spoons: 1.25 mL, 2.5 mL, 5 mL, 15 mL
- Kitchen scale with liquid mode: measures mL for water-based liquids
Precision Baking: Professional bakers prefer milliliters for consistency:
- Eliminates meniscus reading errors
- Repeatable results
- Easy scaling (double recipe = double all mL measurements)
Beverage Industry
Product Labeling: Beverages worldwide labeled in milliliters:
- "Contents: 355 mL (12 fl oz)"
- "Serving size: 250 mL"
- "Servings per container: 4 (1,000 mL bottle)"
Alcohol Content: "Standard drink" defined in mL in many countries:
- Australia: 10 mL pure alcohol = 1 standard drink
- UK: 8 mL (10g) pure alcohol = 1 unit
- US: 14 mL (17.7g) pure alcohol = 1 standard drink
Bartending: Cocktail recipes use milliliters:
- Jigger: 30 mL (1 oz) or 45 mL (1.5 oz)
- Recipes: "45 mL vodka, 15 mL lime juice, 10 mL simple syrup"
Laboratory Science
Chemistry: Milliliters essential for chemical reactions:
- Titrations: measuring acid/base volumes to 0.1 mL
- Solution preparation: "Dissolve in 500 mL solvent"
- Concentration: moles per liter (mol/L or M)
Biology: Cell culture and biological assays:
- Cell culture media: 10-50 mL per flask
- PCR reactions: measured in microliters (µL), 1 µL = 0.001 mL
- Biological samples: typically 0.5-5 mL volumes
Physics: Density measurements use mL:
- Density = mass (grams) ÷ volume (milliliters) = g/mL
- Water: 1 g/mL at 4°C
- Alcohol: 0.79 g/mL
- Mercury: 13.6 g/mL
Cosmetics and Personal Care
Product Packaging: Cosmetics labeled in milliliters:
- Perfume: 30 mL, 50 mL, 100 mL bottles
- Foundation: 30-50 mL bottles
- Shampoo: 250 mL, 500 mL, 1,000 mL bottles
- Travel sizes: typically 100 mL or less (TSA limit)
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 Milliliter
| Liter (L) | Milliliter (mL) |
|---|---|
| 0.5 | 500 |
| 1 | 1,000 |
| 1.5 | 1,500 |
| 2 | 2,000 |
| 5 | 5,000 |
| 10 | 10,000 |
| 25 | 25,000 |
| 50 | 50,000 |
| 100 | 100,000 |
| 250 | 250,000 |
| 500 | 500,000 |
| 1,000 | 1,000,000 |
People Also Ask
How do I convert Liter to Milliliter?
To convert Liter to Milliliter, 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 Milliliter?
The conversion factor depends on the specific relationship between Liter and Milliliter. 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 Milliliter back to Liter?
Yes! You can easily convert Milliliter back to Liter by using the swap button (⇌) in the calculator above, or by visiting our Milliliter to Liter converter page. You can also explore other volume conversions on our category page.
Learn more →What are common uses for Liter and Milliliter?
Liter and Milliliter 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
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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: February 19, 2026