volume · International · Modern

litre

Lexact

Record: M013
Definition quality: Standardized
Conversion mode: multiplicative
Calculator: Fully calculable

Etymology/person-name origin not separately researched unless stated by standards history; current definition/conversion resolved.

Definition

Non-SI unit accepted for use with the SI; 1 L = 1 dm³ = 10⁻³ m³.

Reference value

One litre is equal to 0.001 cubic metres.

History & use

The litre was adopted by the CIPM in 1879. A 1901 water-based definition was later abrogated; since 1964 litre is a special name for the cubic decimetre.

Modern use

Widely used for volume and accepted for use with the SI.

Did you know?

Both L and l are permitted symbols; capital L was allowed to reduce confusion between lower-case l and the numeral 1.

Sources & evidence

Source tier Tier A · confidence High

Related measurements

millilitre

volume · International · Modern

1 mL = 10^-3 L = 10^-6 m³.

cubic metre

m³

volume · International · Modern

Coherent SI derived unit for volume, equal to metre cubed.