MedMathsMedMaths
Browse
Home / Calculators / Unit Conversions / Liters ↔ Milliliters

Liters to Milliliters (L to mL) Converter

Convert between liters and milliliters with exact metric conversion. Essential for IV fluid tracking and fluid balance documentation.

Jump to:Calculator|How it works|Formula|Examples|FAQs|References & Sources

How Volume Conversion Works

The liter (L) and milliliter (mL) are both metric units of volume. The prefix "milli" means one-thousandth, so 1 mL = 0.001 L, or conversely, 1 L = 1,000 mL. This straightforward metric relationship makes conversion simple but critical in healthcare settings where precision in fluid administration and documentation is essential.

Formulas

L → mL: mL = L × 1,000
mL → L: L = mL ÷ 1,000

Worked Examples

Example 1: Convert 2.5 L to mL (daily IV fluid goal)

1

mL = 2.5 × 1,000

2

mL = 2,500

Answer: 2,500 mL

Example 2: Convert 1,850 mL to L (fluid intake documentation)

1

L = 1,850 ÷ 1,000

2

L = 1.85

Answer: 1.85 L

Example 3: Convert 0.5 L to mL (IV bag volume)

1

mL = 0.5 × 1,000

2

mL = 500

Answer: 500 mL

When This Converter Is Used

  • •Converting IV fluid intake from mL to liters for daily documentation and fluid balance
  • •Recording urine output and other fluid losses in different units as required
  • •Medication preparation and IV solution administration tracking

Clinical safety note: Accurate fluid balance documentation is critical for patient safety. Always double-check conversions and follow your facility's protocols for recording and documenting fluid intake and output.

Related Calculators

mcg ↔ mg

Micrograms to Milligrams

mL/hr → gtt/min

IV Drip Rate

Volume & Time

mL/hr Calculation

Fluid Balance

Intake & Output

Frequently Asked Questions

Clinical reminder: Always follow local protocols and consult medication information sheets. These examples are for calculation practice only.

References & Sources

These sources establish metric volume units and conversion standards used in clinical practice.

International

BIPM — SI Unit Standards for Volume

International standards for liters and milliliters as SI-accepted units.

↗

Australia

National Measurement Institute Australia

Australian standards for volume measurement and metric conversion.

↗

United States

NIST — Metric Volume Standards

US standards for metric volume measurement and conversion.

↗

United Kingdom

NPL — National Physical Laboratory

UK standards for volume measurement and metric conversion.

↗

Product

  • Calculators

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Medical Disclaimer
  • Cookie Policy

Information

  • About Us
  • Contact

Data Protection

  • Calculator inputs processed locally
  • Not stored by us
  • Evidence-based formulas
MedMaths

© 2026 MedMaths. All rights reserved.

Contact us: medmaths.calc@gmail.com

If this is a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately (e.g., 000 AU / 911 US / 112 EU/UK) or go to your nearest emergency department.

MedMaths is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.