How to Convert Cubic centimetres to Litres (cm³ to L)
Volume conversions help with baking from American recipes, comparing petrol prices quoted per gallon abroad with pump prices per litre here, and reading PUB water bills in cubic metres. This guide shows how to convert cubic centimetres into litres by hand, with examples and a quick-reference table.
The conversion
To convert cubic centimetres to litres, multiply the value by 0.001. To go the other way, divide by the same number (or multiply by 1,000). For a quick estimate, multiply by about 0.001.
Litres = cubic centimetres × 0.001
Worked examples
- 3 cm³ = 0.003 L
- 12.5 cm³ = 0.0125 L
- 75 cm³ = 0.075 L
Cubic centimetres to Litres table
| Cubic centimetres | Litres |
|---|---|
| 1 cm³ | 0.001 L |
| 2 cm³ | 0.002 L |
| 5 cm³ | 0.005 L |
| 10 cm³ | 0.01 L |
| 20 cm³ | 0.02 L |
| 25 cm³ | 0.025 L |
| 50 cm³ | 0.05 L |
| 100 cm³ | 0.1 L |
| 250 cm³ | 0.25 L |
| 500 cm³ | 0.5 L |
| 1,000 cm³ | 1 L |
Common questions
Is cm³ to L exact?
The factors used here are the internationally defined values where they exist; results are rounded for display only.
How do I convert back?
Use the Litres to Cubic centimetres converter.
Mistakes to avoid
Rounding the factor too early
Using 3 instead of 3.28 for feet per metre introduces an error of almost 9% before you have started.
Multiplying when you should divide
Converting to a smaller unit gives a bigger number, and converting to a larger unit gives a smaller one. If your answer moves the wrong way, you have inverted the factor.
Dropping the units
A bare number without a unit is easy to misread later. Always write the unit with the result.
Background
Singapore adopted the metric system in the 1970s, replacing imperial units and traditional Chinese measures in most official uses. Metric units are now standard in schools, trade and government, but older units survive in property, markets and imported goods.
Unit conversion is simply multiplication by a fixed ratio. The ratio between two units of the same quantity never changes, so once you know it you can convert any value in either direction.
Writing the units next to every number while you work is the simplest way to avoid mistakes. If the units do not cancel to leave the one you want, the calculation is set up wrongly.
For any value, use the Cubic centimetres to Litres Converter or browse all volume converters.
Run your own numbers: Cubic centimetres to Litres Converter