Skill: Convert between metric capacity units

To convert between metric capacity units, remember:

• $1$ kiloliter ($\text{kL}$) $(=1{,}000)$ liters ($\text{L}$)
• $1$ liter ($\text{L}$) $(=1{,}000)$ milliliters ($\text{mL}$)

When you change to a smaller unit, multiply by $(1{,}000)$.
When you change to a larger unit, divide by $(1{,}000)$.

Example

Convert $(4.6)$ liters to milliliters.

Step 1: Compare the units.

Milliliters are smaller than liters, so the number will get larger.

Step 2: Multiply by $(1{,}000)$.

$$4.6\text{ L}\times 1{,}000=4{,}600\text{ mL}$$

Answer:

$$\boxed{4.6\text{ L}=4{,}600\text{ mL}}$$

The amount has not changed—only the unit has changed. There are more milliliters because each liter contains $(1{,}000)$ milliliters.