Units of volume of liquid
Volume of liquid tells us how much a container holds. We use millilitres (mL) for small amounts, such as a spoon of medicine or a small carton of milk, and litres (L) for larger amounts, such as a bottle of cooking oil or a bucket of water.
Just like length and mass, there is one fact to remember, and then every conversion is a multiply or a divide.
Key idea
1 L = 1000 mL.
Litres → millilitres: multiply by 1000. Millilitres → litres: divide by 1000.
Worked example
Worked example
A bottle holds 1 L 500 mL of juice. How many millilitres is that?
1 L = 1 × 1000 = 1000 mL.
1000 + 500 = 1500 mL.
Check: 1500 ÷ 1000 = 1.5 L = 1 L 500 mL. Correct.
When you pour liquids together or take some away, add or subtract the millilitres and litres separately. If the millilitres reach 1000, carry 1 L.
Remember
- 1 L = 1000 mL.
- Litres → millilitres: multiply by 1000.
- Match the units before adding or subtracting.