Liter to Milliliter Converter
Quickly and accurately convert volume measurements from liters to milliliters with our free online Liter to Milliliter Converter. Perfect for cooking, laboratory work, and more.
Common Conversions
| Liters (L) | Milliliters (mL) |
|---|---|
| 0.001 L | 1 mL |
| 0.01 L | 10 mL |
| 0.1 L | 100 mL |
| 0.25 L | 250 mL |
| 0.5 L | 500 mL |
| 1 L | 1,000 mL |
| 2 L | 2,000 mL |
| 5 L | 5,000 mL |
How It Works
Converting from liters (L) to milliliters (mL) is a simple metric conversion, as both units are part of the metric system and are related by a factor of 1,000.
Conversion Formula:
1 liter = 1,000 milliliters
To convert liters to milliliters, multiply the liter value by 1,000:
Milliliters = Liters × 1,000
Example Calculation:
To convert 2.5 liters to milliliters:
Milliliters = 2.5 L × 1,000 = 2,500 mL
Our converter handles this calculation automatically and provides results with up to 9 decimal places for precision. It also formats the result to remove unnecessary trailing zeros for better readability.
Understanding the Metric System:
In the metric system, prefixes indicate multiples or fractions of the base unit:
- milli- (m): 1/1,000 of the base unit
- centi- (c): 1/100 of the base unit
- deci- (d): 1/10 of the base unit
- kilo- (k): 1,000 times the base unit
So, 1 milliliter is 1/1,000 of a liter, or conversely, 1 liter equals 1,000 milliliters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a liter?
A liter (L) is a metric unit of volume equal to 1,000 cubic centimeters or 1 cubic decimeter. It’s commonly used worldwide for measuring the volume of liquids and some solids. One liter of water weighs approximately 1 kilogram at 4°C.
What is a milliliter?
A milliliter (mL) is a metric unit of volume equal to one-thousandth of a liter or one cubic centimeter (1 cm³). It’s commonly used worldwide for measuring small volumes of liquids, especially in medicine, cooking, and laboratory settings.
Why would I need to convert liters to milliliters?
This conversion is commonly needed when working with recipes, medication dosages, or scientific experiments where precise measurements are required. For example, if a recipe calls for 0.25 liters of milk, you might find it easier to measure 250 milliliters using a graduated measuring cup.
Are milliliters the same as cubic centimeters?
Yes, 1 milliliter (mL) is exactly equal to 1 cubic centimeter (cm³ or cc). They are different names for the same volume. Milliliters are typically used for liquid volumes, while cubic centimeters are often used for solid volumes, but they are interchangeable in terms of measurement.
How accurate is this converter?
Our converter uses the exact conversion factor of 1,000 milliliters per liter, which is a precise mathematical relationship in the metric system. The calculator can display results with up to 9 decimal places for high precision needs, though for this particular conversion, decimal places are rarely needed since the conversion factor is a whole number.
How do I convert milliliters back to liters?
To convert from milliliters to liters, divide the milliliter value by 1,000 (or multiply by 0.001). Alternatively, you can use our Milliliter to Liter Converter for quick and accurate conversions.