How to Convert Litres to Cubic metres (L to m³)
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 litres into cubic metres by hand, with examples and a quick-reference table.
The conversion
To convert litres to cubic metres, 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.
Cubic metres = litres × 0.001
Worked examples
- 3 L = 0.003 m³
- 12.5 L = 0.0125 m³
- 75 L = 0.075 m³
Litres to Cubic metres table
| Litres | Cubic metres |
|---|---|
| 1 L | 0.001 m³ |
| 2 L | 0.002 m³ |
| 5 L | 0.005 m³ |
| 10 L | 0.01 m³ |
| 20 L | 0.02 m³ |
| 25 L | 0.025 m³ |
| 50 L | 0.05 m³ |
| 100 L | 0.1 m³ |
| 250 L | 0.25 m³ |
| 500 L | 0.5 m³ |
| 1,000 L | 1 m³ |
Common questions
Is L to m³ 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 Cubic metres to Litres converter.
Mistakes to avoid
Dropping the units
A bare number without a unit is easy to misread later. Always write the unit with the result.
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.
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.
Background
Many conversion factors are exact by definition. The inch has been defined as exactly 2.54 centimetres since 1959, and the pound as exactly 0.45359237 kilograms, so conversions involving them can be as precise as you need.
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 everyday use, three or four significant figures are usually enough. Engineering, science and trade documents may need more, and rounding should happen only at the end of a calculation.
For any value, use the Litres to Cubic metres Converter or browse all volume converters.
Run your own numbers: Litres to Cubic metres Converter