Definition
Litre
A litre is a volume unit equal to exactly 1 cubic decimetre or 1000 millilitres.
What it means
A litre tells how much three-dimensional space there is. For a container, that volume is its capacity—how much it can hold.
Remember it
Four 250 mL cups fill one 1 L amount.
Example
Four cups each hold 250 mL. Together they hold 4 × 250 mL = 1000 mL = 1 L.
Watch for
Litres can measure the volume of liquids, solids, or gases; they are not only for drinks.
Common mix-up
Use uppercase L when possible so it is not confused with the number 1.
Exact meaning
A litre (L) is a unit of volume equal to exactly 1 cubic decimetre (dm³), which is 1000 millilitres.