A liter is one cubic decimeter.
Liters to Centiliters Converter — L to cL
Convert Liter (L) to Centiliter (cL) using the exact conversion factor (1 liter = 100 centiliter). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Liters to Centiliters 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.
Centiliter is 0.01 liter units.
Result = input x 0.001 / 1e-5.
Volume uses the cubic meter as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Liters to Centiliters
Liter and Centiliter 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. Liter is most often used for beverage, fuel, and liquid product packaging worldwide.
Formula
centiliters = liters × 100
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 liter equals 0.001 base units, and 1 centiliter equals 0.00001 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct liter-to-centiliter factor of 100.
Simple example
1 L × 100 = 100 cL
1 liter = 100 centiliters.
Real-world example
10 L × 100 = 1,000 cL
10 liters = 1,000 centiliters.
Conversion table
| Liter (L) | Centiliter (cL) |
|---|---|
| 1 L | 100 cL |
| 5 L | 500 cL |
| 10 L | 1,000 cL |
| 25 L | 2,500 cL |
| 50 L | 5,000 cL |
| 100 L | 10,000 cL |
Reverse conversion: Centiliter to Liter
100 cL × 0.01 = 1 L
100 centiliters = 1 liter.
liters = centiliters × 0.01
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Centiliter to Liter.
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.
Understanding the Centiliter (cL)
Centiliter is 0.01 liter units.
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 centiliters are in 1 liter?
1 liter equals 100 centiliters, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert liter to centiliter?
Multiply the liter value by 100. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert centiliter back to liter?
Use the reverse factor: 1 centiliter equals 0.01 liters. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
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.
What is a centiliter?
Centiliter (cL) is a unit of volume.
Is the liter to centiliter 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.
Where is the liter still used today?
Standard volume unit for liquids worldwide, including in the US for beverages and fuel labeling in some contexts