Example

Converting Liters to Kiloliters and Milliliters Using Conversion Factors

Metric capacity conversions use the same dimensional-analysis technique as length and mass conversions. Because 11 kiloliter =1,000= 1{,}000 liters and 11 liter =1,000= 1{,}000 milliliters, the conversion factor is always a power of 1010, so the computation reduces to moving the decimal point 33 places.

(a) Convert 350350 L to kiloliters.

  1. Start with the given measurement: 350 L350 \text{ L}.
  2. Multiply by 11, written as a conversion factor relating liters to kiloliters: 350 L×1 kL1,000 L350 \text{ L} \times \frac{1 \text{ kL}}{1{,}000 \text{ L}}.
  3. Cancel the matching unit: The "L" labels divide out, leaving only kiloliters.
  4. Divide: Moving the decimal point 33 places to the left in 350.350. gives 0.3500.350.

Therefore 350350 L =0.35= 0.35 kL.

(b) Convert 4.14.1 L to milliliters.

  1. Start with the given measurement: 4.1 L4.1 \text{ L}.
  2. Multiply by 11, written as a conversion factor relating liters to milliliters: 4.1 L×1,000 mL1 L4.1 \text{ L} \times \frac{1{,}000 \text{ mL}}{1 \text{ L}}.
  3. Cancel the matching unit: The "L" labels divide out, leaving only milliliters.
  4. Multiply: Moving the decimal point 33 places to the right in 4.1004.100 gives 4,1004{,}100.

Therefore 4.14.1 L =4,100= 4{,}100 mL. Part (a) converts from a smaller unit to a larger one (yielding a smaller number), while part (b) converts from a larger unit to a smaller one (yielding a larger number).

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Updated 2026-04-21

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