Volume Unit Conversion
Quick answer: 1 m³ = 1,000 litres, 1 dm³ = 1 L, 1 L = 10 dl = 1,000 ml, 1 cm³ = 1 ml, 1 US gallon = 3.785 L and 1 imperial gallon = 4.546 L.
Cubic metres, litres, decilitres, millilitres, hectolitres, cubic inches and feet, plus US and imperial gallons and fluid ounces.
How the calculation works
Enter a volume and choose the starting unit (e.g. m³, litre or gallon). The table shows the same volume in cubic millimetres, centimetres, decimetres and metres, millilitres, centilitres, decilitres, litres, hectolitres, cubic inches, feet and yards, and US and imperial gallons and fluid ounces.
Formula and assumptions
The base unit is the cubic metre. A cubic unit factor is the length factor cubed: 1 m³ = 1,000 dm³ = 1,000,000 cm³. A litre is exactly 1 dm³ and a millilitre 1 cm³. 1 US gal = 3.785411784 L, 1 imperial gal = 4.54609 L, 1 US fl oz = 29.5735 ml, 1 imperial fl oz = 28.4131 ml.
More worked examples
- 3.2 m³ to litres: 3.2 × 1,000 = 3,200 L.
- A 15 L bucket in m³: 15 ÷ 1,000 = 0.015 m³.
- A 0.33 L bottle = 330 ml = 3.3 dl.
- A 50 US gal tank: 50 × 3.785 = 189.3 L.
Volume units
| Unit | in litres | Other |
|---|---|---|
| 1 ml | 0.001 | 1 cm³ |
| 1 dl | 0.1 | 100 ml |
| 1 L | 1 | 1 dm³ = 1,000 ml |
| 1 hl | 100 | 0.1 m³ |
| 1 m³ | 1,000 | 1,000,000 cm³ |
| 1 ft³ | 28.3168 | 1,728 in³ |
| 1 US gal | 3.78541 | 128 US fl oz |
| 1 imperial gal | 4.54609 | 160 imperial fl oz |
Common mistakes
- Converting m³ to cm³ with 1,000 instead of 1,000,000.
- Using the US gallon for imperial figures (the difference is about 20%).
- Converting litres to kilograms without the density of the material.
Frequently asked questions
How many litres are in a dm³?
Exactly one: 1 dm³ = 1 L. Likewise 1 cm³ = 1 ml and 1 m³ = 1,000 L.
How do I convert litres to millilitres?
Multiply by 1,000: 0.33 L = 330 ml. A decilitre is 100 ml and a centilitre 10 ml.
What is the difference between a US and an imperial gallon?
A US gallon is 3.785 L and an imperial (UK) gallon 4.546 L. Check which one the label or instructions use.
How do I express a volume in m³ as litres?
Multiply by 1,000: 0.75 m³ = 750 L. To get the volume from dimensions, use the volume calculator.
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Publisher: Art-Visum d.o.o. · Content reviewed:
Calculations use common consumption rates and manufacturers' technical data sheets; results are estimates. Methodology · Standards · About