How to Convert Millilitres to Litres (ml 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 millilitres into litres by hand, with examples and a quick-reference table.
The conversion
To convert millilitres 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 = millilitres × 0.001
Worked examples
- 3 ml = 0.003 L
- 12.5 ml = 0.0125 L
- 75 ml = 0.075 L
Millilitres to Litres table
| Millilitres | Litres |
|---|---|
| 1 ml | 0.001 L |
| 2 ml | 0.002 L |
| 5 ml | 0.005 L |
| 10 ml | 0.01 L |
| 20 ml | 0.02 L |
| 25 ml | 0.025 L |
| 50 ml | 0.05 L |
| 100 ml | 0.1 L |
| 250 ml | 0.25 L |
| 500 ml | 0.5 L |
| 1,000 ml | 1 L |
Common questions
Is ml 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 Millilitres converter.
Mistakes to avoid
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.
Mixing similar-sounding units
US and imperial gallons, pints and tons are different sizes, and decimal kilobytes differ from binary kibibytes.
Background
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.
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.
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.
For any value, use the Millilitres to Litres Converter or browse all volume converters.
Run your own numbers: Millilitres to Litres Converter