How to convert liters to milliliters
To convert a measurement in liters to milliliters, multiply the value by 1,000. The conversion factor comes from the relationship between both units and the liter.
For example, to convert 5 L to milliliters: 5 × 1,000 = 5,000 mL.
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 milliliter?
A milliliter is a metric unit of volume equal to one thousandth of a liter (0.001 L) and equal to one cubic centimeter. The milliliter derives from the liter with the Latin prefix 'mille' (thousand). It is the standard small-volume unit in medicine, cooking, and laboratories worldwide, interchangeable with the cubic centimeter (cc).
Common uses of milliliters include: Medicine and syrup dosages; Recipe liquid measurements; Cosmetics and perfume volumes; Laboratory and chemistry work.
Liters to milliliters worked examples
Here are some common values converted:
1 L = 1,000 mL 5 L = 5,000 mL 10 L = 10,000 mL 50 L = 50,000 mL 100 L = 100,000 mL
Frequently asked questions
How many milliliters are in one liter?
One liter (L) equals 1,000 milliliters (mL). Multiply any value in liters by 1,000 to convert to milliliters.
How do I convert liters to milliliters?
Multiply the value in liters by 1,000. For example, 5 L × 1,000 = 5,000 mL.
How do I convert milliliters to liters?
Multiply the value in milliliters by 0.001, or divide by 1,000. Use the swap button on the converter above to reverse the direction.
Is the liter to milliliter 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 milliliters?
The formula is: mL = L × 1,000. This comes from the definition of both units relative to the liter.