Why Convert Milliliters to Liters?
Converting between milliliters (mL) and liters (L) is one of the most common volume conversions. Whether for engineering, cooking, travel, or science, knowing how to quickly convert mL to L saves time and prevents errors.
Volume conversions between mL and L are vital for cooking, travel, and automotive contexts. The TSA 3-1-1 rule limits carry-on liquids to 100 mL (3.4 fl oz) containers — a conversion every international traveler needs. In cooking, US recipes use cups and tablespoons while metric recipes use milliliters. For automotive purposes, fuel tank capacity is measured in liters in most countries but gallons in the US.
How to Convert Milliliters to Liters
To convert milliliters to liters, use the following formula:
L = mL × 0.001
Example: 1 mL = 0.001 L
For example, 5 mL = 0.005 L, 10 mL = 0.01 L, and 100 mL = 0.1 L. Our calculator above performs this conversion instantly with full precision — no rounding errors.
Common Use Cases
- Standard water bottle: 500 mL = 0.5 L
- Standard soda/beer can: 330 mL = 0.33 L
- TSA carry-on liquid limit per container: 100 mL = 0.1 L
- Standard wine bottle: 750 mL = 0.75 L
- Small carton of milk or juice: 250 mL = 0.25 L
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- US vs UK gallons: A US gallon (3.785 L) is smaller than a UK gallon (4.546 L). Always specify which system you're using.
- Fluid ounces vary: US fluid ounce ≠ UK fluid ounce. This converter uses US measures unless specified as UK.
- Cup measurement inconsistency: A US cup = 236.6 mL, metric cup = 250 mL, Japanese cup = 200 mL. Always verify which standard your recipe uses.
Pro Tips
- Memorize the factor: 1 mL = 0.001 L. For quick mental math, remember this base conversion.
- Quick reference: 5 mL = 0.005 L · 10 mL = 0.01 L · 25 mL = 0.025 L · 50 mL = 0.05 L · 100 mL = 0.1 L
- Bookmark this page: Save this converter for instant access. It works offline once loaded — no internet needed.
Milliliters to Liters Conversion Table
| mL | L |
|---|---|
| 0.01 mL | 0.00001 L |
| 0.1 mL | 0.0001 L |
| 0.5 mL | 0.0005 L |
| 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 |
| 50 mL | 0.05 L |
| 100 mL | 0.1 L |
| 500 mL | 0.5 L |
| 1000 mL | 1 L |
All values in this table are mathematically exact per NIST SP 811.