Milliliter is 0.001 liter units.
Milliliters to Deciliters Converter — mL to dL
Convert Milliliter (mL) to Deciliter (dL) using the exact conversion factor (1 milliliter = 0.01 deciliter). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Milliliters to Deciliters 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.
Deciliter is 0.1 liter units.
Result = input x 1e-6 / 0.0001.
Volume uses the cubic meter as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Milliliters to Deciliters
Milliliter and Deciliter 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. Milliliter is most often used for medicine dosing (worldwide, including in the us).
Formula
deciliters = milliliters × 0.01
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 milliliter equals 0.000001 base units, and 1 deciliter equals 0.0001 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct milliliter-to-deciliter factor of 0.01.
Simple example
1 mL × 0.01 = 0.01 dL
1 milliliter = 0.01 deciliters.
Real-world example
10 mL × 0.01 = 0.1 dL
10 milliliters = 0.1 deciliters.
Conversion table
| Milliliter (mL) | Deciliter (dL) |
|---|---|
| 1 mL | 0.01 dL |
| 5 mL | 0.05 dL |
| 10 mL | 0.1 dL |
| 25 mL | 0.25 dL |
| 50 mL | 0.5 dL |
| 100 mL | 1 dL |
Reverse conversion: Deciliter to Milliliter
0.01 dL × 100 = 1 mL
0.01 deciliters = 1 milliliters.
milliliters = deciliters × 100
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Deciliter to Milliliter.
Understanding the Milliliter
Milliliter (mL) measures volume. A milliliter is one-thousandth of a liter, equal to one cubic centimeter. It is classified as a SI derived (metric prefix) unit.
Where it's used: Standard small-volume unit worldwide
Uses of the Milliliter today
- Medicine dosing (worldwide, including in the US)
- Cooking and recipe measurement outside the US
- Beverage and small-container labeling
History of the Milliliter
The milliliter follows directly from the liter via the 'milli-' SI prefix. It is notable as one of the few metric units in routine US use, since medicine dosing (syringes, liquid medication) is specified in milliliters even in the US.
Historical origin. Milliliter was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Understanding the Deciliter (dL)
Deciliter is 0.1 liter units.
Milliliter — sources
- BIPM SI Brochure — SI prefixes — Defines 'milli-' as the prefix for 10⁻³.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many deciliters are in 1 milliliter?
1 milliliter equals 0.01 deciliters, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert milliliter to deciliter?
Multiply the milliliter value by 0.01. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert deciliter back to milliliter?
Use the reverse factor: 1 deciliter equals 100 milliliters. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a milliliter?
Milliliter (mL) measures volume. A milliliter is one-thousandth of a liter, equal to one cubic centimeter. It is classified as a SI derived (metric prefix) unit.
What is a deciliter?
Deciliter (dL) is a unit of volume.
Is the milliliter to deciliter conversion exact?
Yes. Both milliliter and deciliter are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 0.01 used above is exact to as many digits as you choose to display.
Where is the milliliter still used today?
Standard small-volume unit worldwide