Skill: Choose millilitres or litres

Capacity tells us how much a container can hold.

• Use millilitres (mL) for a small amount, such as a teaspoon of medicine.
• Use litres (L) for a larger amount, such as water in a drink bottle, bucket, or jug.

Remember:

$$1\text{ litre}=1000\text{ millilitres}$$

Worked example

A watering can holds a lot of water. Should we measure its capacity in millilitres or litres?

1. Think about the amount the watering can can hold. It holds much more than a teaspoon.
2. Compare it with a familiar object. A watering can is more like a large container than a small spoon.
3. Choose the unit for larger capacities: litres.

Answer: The watering can’s capacity should be measured in litres (L).