Liter
Liter
The liter (also spelled litre; symbol: L or l) is a metric unit of volume. It is equal to 1 cubic decimeter (dm^3), 1,000 cubic centimeters (cm^3) or 1/1,000 cubic meter. The mass of one liter liquid water is almost exactly one kilogram.
History[edit | edit source]
The liter was introduced in France in 1795 as one of the new "Republican Measures", and it was defined as one cubic decimeter. This original definition was reverted in 1901 to the current one.
Usage[edit | edit source]
The liter is used worldwide, especially in countries that have adopted the metric system. It is used to measure both liquids and non-liquids, such as engine displacement in cars.
Symbol[edit | edit source]
The symbol for the liter is "L". In some contexts, especially in science, the alternative symbol "l" (lowercase L) is used, but this can be confusing with the number "1".
Conversion[edit | edit source]
One liter is equivalent to 0.264172 gallons in the US customary system, and 0.219969 gallons in the British imperial system.
See also[edit | edit source]
- Cubic meter
- Cubic centimeter
- Decimeter
- Gallon
- Metric system
- United States customary units
- Imperial units
 | This standards- or measurement-related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Bonnu, Prab R. Tumpati, MD
