mL to L Conversion Chart (and L to mL) for Nursing
Shows the work. Every example is computed with the formula and numbered steps. For study and exam practice, not for patient care.
IV fluids are ordered in liters or milliliters, and pump rates are always mL/hr. One liter is 1,000 milliliters.
Rule: 1 L = 1,000 mL. To go from mL to L, divide by 1,000. To go from L to mL, multiply by 1,000.
For any other amount, use the Unit converter calculator: it shows the factor and each step.
mL to L
| mL | L |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.001 |
| 5 | 0.005 |
| 10 | 0.01 |
| 25 | 0.025 |
| 50 | 0.05 |
| 100 | 0.1 |
| 150 | 0.15 |
| 250 | 0.25 |
| 500 | 0.5 |
| 750 | 0.75 |
| 1,000 | 1 |
| 1,500 | 1.5 |
| 2,000 | 2 |
| 3,000 | 3 |
L to mL
| L | mL |
|---|---|
| 0.01 | 10 |
| 0.05 | 50 |
| 0.1 | 100 |
| 0.25 | 250 |
| 0.5 | 500 |
| 0.75 | 750 |
| 1 | 1,000 |
| 1.5 | 1,500 |
| 2 | 2,000 |
| 2.5 | 2,500 |
| 3 | 3,000 |
Good to know
- Write mL, not cc: ISMP lists cc as error-prone because it can be read as u (units).
- Convert liters to milliliters before you calculate an mL/hr rate.
Worked example
A client is to receive 0.5 L of fluid. How many mL is this?
- Value
- 0.5 L
- To
- mL
Formula Multiply or divide by the conversion factor.
- 1 L = 1,000 mL, so multiply by 1,000.
- 0.5 × 1,000 = 500 mL.
- 500 mL is exact, so no rounding is needed.
Answer 500 mL
FAQ
How many mL are in 1 L?
1,000.
Is a cc the same as a mL?
Yes, 1 cc is 1 mL, but write mL: ISMP lists cc as an error-prone abbreviation.
Terms on this page: mL/hr
Sources
- List of Error-Prone Abbreviations, Symbols, and Dose Designations — Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP)
- Clinical Calculations: With Applications to General and Specialty Areas (Kee, Marshall, et al.) — Elsevier
- Calculate with Confidence (Morris) — Elsevier