Ctrl+k

Choose millilitres or litres

The learner distinguishes capacity as the amount a container can hold and selects millilitres for relatively small capacities and litres for larger capacities, using familiar benchmarks such as a teaspoon, drink bottle, or large container rather than a container’s height or appearance alone. The relationship 1 litre=1000 millilitres1\text{ litre}=1000\text{ millilitres} provides a reference for interpreting the units, but detailed conversions, decimal measures, and calculations with arbitrary capacities are not included.

Detailed Explanation: 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 litre=1000 millilitres1\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).

Learn by doing: Choose millilitres or litres

Click a topic below to practice the foundational skills you'll need, learn the steps, or master this skill

    Practice with unlimited practice problems

    Measurement Reasonable Unit - Volume (metric)

      ?