Units of liquid volume
The volume of a liquid tells us how much space it fills. We measure it in millilitres (mℓ) and litres (ℓ). Use mℓ for small amounts like a spoon of medicine, and ℓ for large amounts like a bottle of water.
Key idea
1 ℓ = 1000 mℓ
Changing units
To change litres into millilitres, multiply by 1000. To change millilitres into litres, divide by 1000.
Worked example
How many millilitres are there in 2 ℓ?
1 ℓ = 1000 mℓ, so 2 ℓ = 2 × 1000 = 2000 mℓ.
Remember
- Half a litre = 500 mℓ.
- 1 ℓ 500 mℓ = 1000 mℓ + 500 mℓ = 1500 mℓ.
- Litres are bigger; millilitres are smaller.