Volume conversion explained (the simple universal formula)

Converting volume is all about translating every unit into one shared “base” unit, then translating back out. Our converter uses milliliters (mL) as the base because it’s small, precise, and easy to scale. The core idea is the same whether you’re converting teaspoons to cups, liters to gallons, or cubic inches to milliliters.

For any two units, the math is:

1) Convert input to base: mL = amount × (mL per “From” unit)
2) Convert base to output: result = mL ÷ (mL per “To” unit)

• Every unit in the dropdown has a known factor that links it to mL.
• Once you’re in mL, you can go to any other unit using simple division.
• This method avoids chaining multiple conversions (which can stack rounding error).

• Swap flips units instantly (great for “how many cups is 500 mL?” → “how many mL in 2 cups?”).
• Convert to All creates a clean table — perfect for screenshots, recipe notes, or group chats.
• Save Result stores recent conversions on your device (no account, no signup).

Most-used conversions (quick reference)

These are the constants the calculator uses behind the scenes. You don’t need to memorize them — but knowing a few makes it easier to spot errors at a glance.

• 1 L = 1000 mL
• 1 m³ = 1,000,000 mL (because 1 m³ = 1000 L)
• 1 cm³ = 1 mL (super common in science)

• 1 tsp (US) ≈ 4.9289 mL
• 1 tbsp (US) ≈ 14.7868 mL
• 1 fl oz (US) ≈ 29.5735 mL
• 1 cup (US) ≈ 236.5882 mL
• 1 pint (US) ≈ 473.1765 mL
• 1 quart (US) ≈ 946.3529 mL
• 1 gallon (US) ≈ 3785.4118 mL

• 1 fl oz (Imp) ≈ 28.4131 mL
• 1 cup (Imp) ≈ 284.1306 mL
• 1 pint (Imp) ≈ 568.2613 mL
• 1 quart (Imp) ≈ 1136.5225 mL
• 1 gallon (Imp) = 4546.09 mL

• 1 in³ ≈ 16.3871 mL
• 1 ft³ ≈ 28,316.8466 mL

Sanity check trick: a US pint is about 473 mL. If your result says a pint is 200 mL, something is wrong (likely the wrong unit selected).

Real-world examples you can copy

Below are a few common conversions people Google every day. Try these inside the calculator, then swap the units to see the reverse conversion instantly.

Step 1: 500 mL is already in base units.
Step 2: Divide by the US cup factor: 236.5882 mL per cup.
Result: 500 ÷ 236.5882 ≈ 2.11 cups.

Step 1: Convert to base: 2 × 236.5882 = 473.1764 mL.
Step 2: Done — because you asked for mL.

Step 1: 1 gallon (US) = 3785.4118 mL.
Step 2: Convert to liters: 3785.4118 ÷ 1000 = 3.7854 L.

8 × 29.5735 ≈ 236.59 mL — which is also about 1 US cup. That’s why many recipe sites treat 8 fl oz as “a cup” (even though measuring cups can differ slightly by standard).

250 ÷ 29.5735 ≈ 8.45 fl oz. If you’re pouring a drink, that’s “a little over 8 oz.”

Step 1: 1 ft³ = 28,316.8466 mL.
Step 2: Divide by 3785.4118 mL per US gallon → ≈ 7.48 gallons. This shows up in plumbing, aquariums, and storage/tank estimates.

Want a viral screenshot? Enter an amount (like “1”), hit Convert to All, and share the full table as a quick-reference card.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is this the same as a “unit converter”?

  Yes — but focused on volume. A general unit converter includes length, weight, temperature, and more. This page stays laser-focused on volume so the UI can be faster and the output can be more shareable.

• Why does US vs Imperial matter?

  Because the names are the same but the sizes are different. A US pint is about 473 mL, while an Imperial pint is about 568 mL. If a recipe is British (or uses “UK” terminology), choose Imperial units to avoid under/over-measuring.

• Fluid ounces vs ounces: what’s the difference?

  Fluid ounces (fl oz) measure volume. Ounces (oz) usually measure weight/mass. Water is a convenient case because 1 fl oz of water weighs close to 1 oz, but that’s not true for oils, honey, flour, or anything with a different density.

• Is 1 cup always 240 mL?

  Not always. “Cup” can vary by standard. This converter includes a US cup (~236.59 mL) and an Imperial cup (~284.13 mL). Some metric recipes also treat a cup as 250 mL. If you’re following a specific cookbook, match the region/standard when possible.

• Why does my measuring cup disagree slightly?

  Real-world tools have tolerances, and recipe conventions sometimes round “nice” numbers. Also, cups/spoons can differ by manufacturer, and the meniscus (curve of liquid surface) can affect reading. For best accuracy, use a scale or a calibrated jug when precision matters.

• How accurate are the results?

  The converter uses widely accepted standard factors and calculates with high precision before rounding to your chosen decimals. Any remaining error usually comes from measuring in the real world, not the math.

• Can I convert “drops”?

  Not reliably, because a drop size depends on the dropper, liquid viscosity, and temperature. If you need drop-to-mL, use a product-specific conversion or measure once and reuse that ratio.

• What does “Convert to All” do?

  It converts your input into a neat table of the most popular units. This is great for screenshots, quick reference, and avoiding repeat conversions one-by-one.

• Does this store my data?

  No server storage. If you tap Save Result, it saves a small conversion history in your browser’s local storage on this device — so you can revisit recent conversions quickly.