Milliliter (mL)
Definition
A milliliter (symbol mL) is a metric unit of volume equal to one thousandth of a liter, or exactly one cubic centimeter (cm³). It is the standard small-volume unit for medicine dosing, cooking liquids, and laboratory work.
History
The milliliter entered use alongside the liter in 1795, formed by combining the SI prefix milli with the liter. After the 1964 redefinition of the liter as exactly one cubic decimeter, the milliliter became identical to the cubic centimeter, removing earlier rounding errors.
Pharmaceutical dosing standards in most countries now require milliliter marks rather than teaspoons, since teaspoon volumes vary by jurisdiction. Most modern oral syringes are graduated in milliliters for that reason.
Standard reference
Defined by the BIPM SI Brochure as 0.001 L = 1 cm³ exactly. ISO 80000-3 and pharmacopoeial standards specify mL for medical dosing.
Common conversions
| 1 mL | = 0.001 L |
|---|---|
| = 1 cm³ | |
| = 0.0338140 US fl oz | |
| = 0.00422675 US cups |