How to convert liters to cubic meters
To convert a measurement in liters to cubic meters, multiply the value by 0.001. The conversion factor comes from the relationship between both units and the liter.
For example, to convert 5 L to cubic meters: 5 × 0.001 = 0.005 m³.
What is a liter?
A liter is a metric unit of volume equal to 1,000 cubic centimeters or one cubic decimeter, about 0.264 US gallons. Introduced in France in 1795, the liter was originally defined as the volume of one kilogram of water. It is accepted for use with the SI and is the everyday unit of volume for liquids across most of the world.
Common uses of liters include: Beverage and bottle sizes; Fuel sold at the pump in most countries; Engine displacement (e.g. a 2.0 L engine); Cooking and liquid recipe quantities.
What is a cubic meter?
A cubic meter is the SI unit of volume, equal to the space of a cube one meter on each side, or 1,000 liters. The cubic meter is the coherent SI derived unit of volume. It is the standard unit for large volumes in construction, water supply, and gas metering, where it is often shortened to 'cube' in the trades.
Common uses of cubic meters include: Water and natural gas utility billing; Concrete, soil, and bulk material ordering; Shipping container and cargo volume; Room and building air volume (HVAC).
Liters to cubic meters worked examples
Here are some common values converted:
1 L = 0.001 m³ 5 L = 0.005 m³ 10 L = 0.01 m³ 50 L = 0.05 m³ 100 L = 0.1 m³
Frequently asked questions
How many cubic meters are in one liter?
One liter (L) equals 0.001 cubic meters (m³). Multiply any value in liters by 0.001 to convert to cubic meters.
How do I convert liters to cubic meters?
Multiply the value in liters by 0.001. For example, 5 L × 0.001 = 0.005 m³.
How do I convert cubic meters to liters?
Multiply the value in cubic meters by 1,000, or divide by 0.001. Use the swap button on the converter above to reverse the direction.
Is the liter to cubic meter conversion exact?
Conversions between metric volumes are exact by definition. US and imperial volumes are defined exactly relative to the liter, so these factors are exact.
What is the formula for liters to cubic meters?
The formula is: m³ = L × 0.001. This comes from the definition of both units relative to the liter.