Capacity conversion: mL & L

1Summary 重點摘要

1 L = 1000 mL.

2Vocabulary cards Vocabulary

3Step by step Steps

1. Part 1: The conversion fact1 L = 1000 mL is the basic fact of capacity. Pour a full 1 L bottle into small 250 mL cups and exactly 4 cups fill up, because 1000 ÷ 250 = 4. Once this fact is remembered, litres and millilitres convert freely in both directions. Measuring cups and cylinders are the tools of capacity; read with the eye level with the liquid surface for an accurate measure.
2. Part 2: Whole litres to millilitresTo change whole litres into millilitres, multiply by 1000: 3 L = 3 × 1000 = 3000 mL, and 6 L = 6000 mL. Put another way, append three zeros to the number and switch the unit from L to mL. Litres to millilitres makes the number 1000 times bigger. When the unit changes the number must follow, so always write the unit together with the answer.
3. Part 3: Decimal litres to millilitres2.5 L = 2.5 × 1000 = 2500 mL, which is the same as moving the decimal point three places to the right. A 1.5 L bottle of drink holds 1500 mL. For decimals, moving the dot is the quickest and safest way to multiply by 1000. After shifting, count the places moved and pad zeros if short of three — a small check that prevents big errors.
4. Part 4: Millilitres back to litresTo change millilitres into litres, divide by 1000: 4000 mL = 4000 ÷ 1000 = 4 L, and 4500 mL = 4.5 L, which is the dot moving three places left. Millilitres to litres shrinks the number 1000 times; keep the direction straight. After converting, multiply by 1000 again as a check — returning to the original number confirms the work.
5. Part 5: Mixed forms2 L 500 mL can be written as 2000 + 500 = 2500 mL, or as 2.5 L. All three forms name exactly the same capacity: litres plus millilitres, plain millilitres, or decimal litres. Choose whichever unit the question asks for. Convert in two steps: first change the whole litres into millilitres, then add the loose millilitres — the clearest path of all.
6. Part 6: Word problemsThe kitchen has a 1.5 L bottle of oil and another bottle with 750 mL; what is the total? First change 1.5 L into 1500 mL, then work out 1500 + 750 = 2250 mL = 2.25 L. Two amounts with different units must be matched before any adding. Answer in the unit the question requests, and keep the habit of estimating — a water bottle is about 500 mL, so absurd answers show at once.

4Diagrams Diagrams

5Worked example Example

6Common mistakes Mistakes

7Quick check Quick check

8Recap Recap

• 1 L = 1000 mL
• L to mL: × 1000 (append three 0s)
• mL to L: ÷ 1000 (dot three places left)
• 2 L 500 mL = 2500 mL = 2.5 L — all equal
• Match units before adding or comparing