Result = value × (factor of the unit you convert from) ÷ (factor of the unit you convert to), every factor being the size of the unit in L: 1 mL = 0.001 L 1 m³ = 1000 L 1 cm³ = 0.001 L 1 gal = 3.78541 L 1 ft³ = 28.3168 L
Worked example
2.5 L = 2.5 × 1 ÷ 0.001 = 2500 mL.
Quick reference
1 L = 1000 mL = 0.001 m³ = 1000 cm³ = 0.26417 gal = 0.03531 ft³
1 mL = 0.001 L = 1 × 10-6 m³ = 1 cm³ = 2.641722 × 10-4 gal = 3.531472 × 10-5 ft³
Second worked example
5 gal = 5 × 3.78541 ÷ 1 = 18.9271 L.
Common values
Worked out with the same factors the converter uses.
0.25 L = 250 mL = 0.066043 gal = 0.00882868 ft³
0.5 L = 500 mL = 0.132086 gal = 0.0176574 ft³
1 L = 1000 mL = 0.264172 gal = 0.0353147 ft³
2 L = 2000 mL = 0.528344 gal = 0.0706294 ft³
5 L = 5000 mL = 1.32086 gal = 0.176574 ft³
20 L = 20000 mL = 5.28344 gal = 0.706294 ft³
Common mistakes
Converting between mL and cm³. There is nothing to convert: both are 0.001 L in the app, the same volume.
Using the length factor for a volume. 1 m = 100 cm, but 1 m³ = 100³ = 1,000,000 cm³ = 1000 L.
Using any gallon figure you remember. The app’s gal is the US gallon, 3.78541 L; check that it is the gallon your question means.
One of the unit converters in the Chemistry Calculator Suite,
alongside its chemistry, physics and maths tools. Nothing is behind a login and no value
you type is sent anywhere — the conversion runs in your own browser.
The Volume converter above is the live tool — it converts right here on the page. The link under it opens the full suite with this set already selected.