Liters and milliliters
The liter is exactly one cubic decimeter, or 1/1000 of a cubic meter. Drinks, fuel, engine displacement and household liquids are sold by the liter in most countries.
The milliliter is one thousandth of a liter, the same volume as one cubic centimeter. Medicine doses, cosmetics, small bottles and metric recipes are measured in milliliters.
Worked example
Convert 1.5 L: 1.5 × 1,000 = 1,500, so 1.5 liters is 1,500 milliliters. Likewise 2 L = 2,000 mL.
Estimating in your head
The factor is a power of ten, so just move the decimal point 3 places to the right: 1.5 L = 1,500 mL.
Going the other way
To convert milliliters to liters, divide by 1,000 (or multiply by 0.001). The swap button between the boxes opens that page.
How this works
mL = L × 1,000
1 L = 0.001 m³ and 1 mL = 0.000001 m³, both by definition, so the factor is their ratio: 1,000 exactly. Results drop binary floating-point noise beyond 15 significant digits and display at the precision you choose (6 significant figures by default). Copy result copies the full value.
Frequently asked
How many milliliters are in a liter?
1 liter = 1,000 milliliters, exactly. The value follows from the unit definitions, so it never changes.
How do I convert liters to milliliters?
Multiply by 1,000. For example, 2 L × 1,000 = 2,000 mL.
What is 10 L in milliliters?
10 L = 10,000 mL. The table next to the converter lists more common values.
Is the result rounded?
Only on screen. The page computes with the exact definitions and removes floating-point noise past 15 significant digits; pick 3 to 12 significant figures, or use Copy result for the full value.
Sources
- NIST SP 811 Appendix B.8 — Factors for units listed alphabetically
- NIST Handbook 44 — Appendix C, General tables of units of measurement
- Wikipedia — United States customary units
Reviewed Oct 17, 2026 · test vectors fixtures/units/volume/liters-to-ml/