Milliliter to Liter Conversion Calculator: Free Online Tool
Convert milliliters to liters with our free online volume converter.
Milliliter to Liter Calculator
How to Use the Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Milliliter).
- The converted value in Liter 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 Milliliter to Liter
Converting Milliliter to Liter involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Milliliter = 0.001 litersExample Calculation:
Convert 10 milliliters: 10 × 0.001 = 0.01 liters
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.
What is a Milliliter and a Liter?
The milliliter (symbol mL or ml) is a metric unit of volume equal to one-thousandth of a liter (1/1000 L). It is also equivalent to exactly one cubic centimeter (1 cm³). The milliliter is widely used in scientific measurements, medicine, and cooking.
The liter (symbol L or l) is a metric unit of volume. It is defined as exactly one cubic decimeter (1 dm³), which is equivalent to 1,000 cubic centimeters (cm³) or 0.001 cubic meters (m³). The liter is commonly used for measuring liquids and sometimes granulated solids.
Note: The Milliliter is part of the metric (SI) system, primarily used globally in science and trade. The Liter belongs to the metric (SI) system.
History of the Milliliter and Liter
The milliliter derives directly from the liter, established in France in 1795. As the metric system gained international acceptance, prefixes like 'milli-' (meaning one-thousandth) were applied to base units to create smaller or larger units. The equivalence 1 mL = 1 cm³ is a fundamental relationship in the metric system.
The liter was introduced in France in 1795 as one of the new 'republican measures' and was defined as one cubic decimeter. The original symbol was 'l', but the symbol 'L' was adopted by the General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM) in 1979 to avoid confusion with the number '1'. While not an official SI unit (the SI unit for volume is the cubic meter), it is accepted for use with the SI.
Common Uses for milliliters and liters
Explore the typical applications for both Milliliter (metric) and Liter (metric) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for milliliters
- Medicine: Measuring liquid medicines and dosages.
- Laboratory: Laboratory work involving small liquid volumes (pipettes, burettes).
- Culinary: Cooking and baking recipes, especially for liquids.
- Packaging: Volume measurements on small containers (e.g., cosmetics, travel-size toiletries).
- Science: Scientific notation for small volumes.
Common Uses for liters
- Beverages: Measuring beverages (water bottles, soda, milk cartons).
- Automotive: Engine displacement in vehicles.
- Containers: Volume of backpacks and containers.
- Laboratory: Laboratory measurements for liquids.
- Fuel: Fuel volume at gas stations in most countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Milliliter (mL)
Is a milliliter the same as a cubic centimeter (cc)?
Yes, 1 milliliter (mL) is exactly equal to 1 cubic centimeter (cm³ or cc). The terms are often used interchangeably, especially in medical and automotive contexts (e.g., engine displacement often uses cc).
How many milliliters are in a liter?
There are 1,000 milliliters (mL) in 1 liter (L).
Is mL or ml the correct symbol?
Both are technically correct and commonly understood. Similar to the liter (L/l), the capitalized version 'mL' is often preferred in publishing and medicine to avoid confusion between 'l' and the number '1'.
About Liter (L)
Is a liter exactly 1 kilogram of water?
Approximately, yes, but not exactly. The original definition of the kilogram was based on the mass of one liter of water at its maximum density (around 4°C). However, the definition of the kilogram has since been refined based on fundamental physical constants. So, 1 liter of water has a mass very close to 1 kg under specific conditions, but it's not the definition.
What is the difference between L and l as symbols for liter?
Both are accepted symbols for the liter. 'L' was officially sanctioned to reduce ambiguity with the numeral '1', especially in print, but 'l' is still commonly used, particularly in scientific contexts where the font makes it distinct.
How does a liter relate to a cubic meter?
1 cubic meter (m³) is equal to 1,000 liters (L). Conversely, 1 liter is equal to 0.001 cubic meters.
Conversion Table: Milliliter to Liter
| Milliliter (mL) | Liter (L) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.001 |
| 5 | 0.005 |
| 10 | 0.01 |
| 25 | 0.025 |
| 50 | 0.05 |
| 100 | 0.1 |
| 500 | 0.5 |
| 1,000 | 1 |