A cubic inch is the volume of a one-inch cube.
Cubic inches to Liters Converter — in3 to L
Convert Cubic inch (in3) to Liter (L) using the exact conversion factor (1 cubic inch = 0.016387064 liter). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Cubic inches to Liters converter
Converter
Volume Converter
Convert metric, US customary, imperial, cooking, dry, and industrial volume units.
Context values
Some unit families need one extra value for a physically accurate result.
A liter is one cubic decimeter.
Result = input x 1.6387064e-5 / 0.001.
Volume uses the cubic meter as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Cubic inches to Liters
Cubic inch and Liter appear side by side at fuel pumps and on beverage labels, since the US measures liquids in gallons while most of the world uses liters. Specifically: A cubic inch is the volume of a one-inch cube, and a liter is one cubic decimeter.
Formula
liters = cubic inches × 0.016387064
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 cubic inch equals 0.000016387064 base units, and 1 liter equals 0.001 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct cubic inch-to-liter factor of 0.016387064.
Simple example
1 in3 × 0.016387064 = 0.016387064 L
1 cubic inch = 0.016387064 liters.
Real-world example
10 in3 × 0.016387064 = 0.16387064 L
10 cubic inches = 0.16387064 liters.
Conversion table
| Cubic inch (in3) | Liter (L) |
|---|---|
| 1 in3 | 0.016387064 L |
| 5 in3 | 0.08193532 L |
| 10 in3 | 0.16387064 L |
| 25 in3 | 0.4096766 L |
| 50 in3 | 0.8193532 L |
| 100 in3 | 1.6387064 L |
Reverse conversion: Liter to Cubic inch
0.016387064 L × 61.02374409 = 1 in3
0.016387064 liters = 1 cubic inch.
cubic inches = liters × 61.0237440947
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Liter to Cubic inch.
Understanding the Cubic inch (in3)
A cubic inch is the volume of a one-inch cube.
Understanding the Liter
Liter (L) measures volume. A liter is defined as exactly one cubic decimeter (0.001 cubic meters). It is classified as a Non-SI metric unit accepted for use with SI.
Where it's used: Standard volume unit for liquids worldwide, including in the US for beverages and fuel labeling in some contexts
Uses of the Liter today
- Beverage, fuel, and liquid product packaging worldwide
- Cooking and recipe measurement in metric countries
- Laboratory and scientific volume measurement
History of the Liter
The liter was introduced with the French metric system in 1795, originally defined as the volume of one kilogram of pure water at its freezing point — tying volume, mass, and the meter together.
Between 1901 and 1964, the liter was briefly redefined as the volume of exactly one kilogram of water at its maximum density (about 4 °C), which made it very slightly larger than a cubic decimeter. It was redefined back to exactly one cubic decimeter in 1964, the definition still used today.
Historical origin. Liter was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Liter — sources
- BIPM SI Brochure — Non-SI units accepted for use with SI — Current cubic-decimeter definition of the liter.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many liters are in 1 cubic inch?
1 cubic inch equals 0.016387064 liters, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert cubic inch to liter?
Multiply the cubic inch value by 0.016387064. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert liter back to cubic inch?
Use the reverse factor: 1 liter equals 61.02374409 cubic inches. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a cubic inch?
Cubic inch (in3) is a unit of volume.
What is a liter?
Liter (L) measures volume. A liter is defined as exactly one cubic decimeter (0.001 cubic meters). It is classified as a Non-SI metric unit accepted for use with SI.
Is the cubic inch to liter conversion exact?
Yes. A liter is defined as exactly one cubic decimeter (0.001 cubic meters). That fixed definition is what the converter above uses, so any rounding you see is a display choice, not a limitation of the math.