About Liters (L)

The liter (symbols: L or l; SI symbol L) is a metric unit of volume. It is equal to 1 cubic decimeter (dm³), 1,000 cubic centimeters (cm³ or cc), or 0.001 cubic meter (m³). The liter is not an SI base unit but is accepted for use with the SI.

The liter was introduced in France in 1795 as one of the new "Republican Measures" and was defined as one cubic decimeter. Its definition has been slightly refined over time, but it has always been closely tied to the meter. The symbol "L" was adopted to avoid confusion between the lowercase "l" and the numeral "1".

Liters are used worldwide for measuring volumes of liquids and sometimes granular solids:

• Beverage volumes (e.g., 2-liter bottle of soda, 1-liter carton of milk).
• Fuel capacity for vehicles (e.g., gasoline sold in liters).
• Engine displacement (e.g., a 2.0L engine).
• Laboratory measurements and chemical solutions.
• Capacity of containers like refrigerators, backpacks, and aquariums.

• 1 Liter (L) = 1,000 milliliters (mL)
• 1 Liter (L) = 100 centiliters (cL)
• 1 Liter (L) = 10 deciliters (dL)
• 1 Kiloliter (kL) = 1,000 Liters (L) = 1 cubic meter (m³)
• 1 Liter (L) ≈ 1.0567 US liquid quarts
• 1 Liter (L) ≈ 0.26417 US liquid gallons
• 1 Liter (L) ≈ 33.814 US fluid ounces

To help visualize a liter:

• A standard large water bottle often holds 1 liter.
• A cube with sides of 10 centimeters (10cm x 10cm x 10cm) has a volume of 1 liter.
• Four standard metric cups (250 mL each) make 1 liter.
• A typical carton of milk or juice is often 1 liter.