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Convert liters to cubic meters

Convert liters to cubic meters instantly. 1 L = 0.001 m³. Formula, worked examples and a quick reference table.

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L
m³

One liter equals 0.001 cubic meters. To convert any number of liters to cubic meters, multiply by 0.001.

The converter above works in both directions and updates as you type. Below you will find the formula, a worked example and a reference table of common values.

Volume is the category where the US and imperial systems diverge most damagingly. Gallons, quarts, pints and fluid ounces all exist in two sizes that differ by up to 20%, and nothing in the name warns you which one a figure uses. Recipes, fuel economy figures and container capacities all cross borders regularly, so it is worth checking which system a source is using before converting rather than after.

liters to cubic meters formula

cubic meter = liter × 0.001

To go the other way, use liter = cubic meter ÷ 0.001.

About these units

A litre is exactly one cubic decimetre, or 1,000 cubic centimetres. One litre of water weighs almost exactly one kilogram, which is not a coincidence.

A cubic metre holds 1,000 litres. It is the unit water and gas utilities bill in, and the unit concrete and aggregate are ordered in.

Liter is also written litre, litres, liters and ltr. Cubic Meter is also written cubic metre, cubic metres, cubic meters, m3, m^3, cbm and kilolitre.

Sources

  1. Bureau International des Poids et Mesures, The International System of Units (SI), 9th edition, 2019.

liters to cubic meters conversion table

Liter Cubic Meter
1 L 0.001 m³
2 L 0.002 m³
3 L 0.003 m³
5 L 0.005 m³
10 L 0.01 m³
20 L 0.02 m³
25 L 0.025 m³
50 L 0.05 m³
100 L 0.1 m³
250 L 0.25 m³
500 L 0.5 m³
1,000 L 1 m³

Frequently asked questions

How many cubic meters are in a liter? +

There are 0.001 cubic meters in one liter.

What is 10 L in m³? +

10 L equals 0.01 m³. Multiply 10 by 0.001.

How do I convert cubic meter back to liter? +

Use liter = cubic meter ÷ 0.001. The converter above handles both directions, or see our dedicated cubic meters to liters page.

How accurate is this liter to cubic meter conversion? +

The factor used is 0.001, carried at full double precision. Where a unit has an exact legal definition the factor is exact rather than approximate. Rounding is applied only to the displayed result, so the answer is never a calculation done on an already-rounded number.

Is there a quick way to estimate L to m³ in my head? +

Divide by 1,000. That matches the true factor of 0.001 exactly, so no adjustment is needed for a mental estimate.