Volume Unit Converter
Volume Conversion =
Milliliter (mL)500
Liter (L)0.5
US Fluid Ounce (fl oz)16.907011
US Cup2.1133764
US Pint (pt)1.0566882
US Quart (qt)0.5283441
US Teaspoon (tsp)101.44207
US Tablespoon (tbsp)33.814023
Enter a numeric value and select the source unit. The calculator instantly converts to all eight volume units used in clinical practice: milliliter (mL), liter (L), fluid ounce (fl oz), cup, pint, quart, teaspoon (tsp), and tablespoon (tbsp). Metric conversions are exact; US customary conversions use precise legal definitions.
A patient's discharge instructions call for 10 mL of liquid medication. Convert to teaspoons for the patient's understanding.
Always recommend calibrated measuring devices rather than household spoons.
Volume conversions are essential for medication administration, IV fluid management, intake and output (I&O) documentation, and enteral feeding calculations. The milliliter is the standard clinical unit, but patients often think in teaspoons, tablespoons, and cups. Accurate conversion bridges this gap.
When discharging patients with liquid medications, instructions often use household measurements. Knowing that 5 mL equals 1 teaspoon, for example, helps nurses educate patients about proper dosing at home. Using calibrated measuring devices rather than kitchen spoons is always recommended for accuracy.
The metric conversions (mL to L) are exact. The US customary conversions use the precise legal definitions (e.g., 1 US fluid ounce = 29.5735295625 mL). Clinical approximations (such as 1 tsp = 5 mL) are close enough for practical medication dosing.
Record all fluids consumed (oral, IV, tube feeding) as intake in milliliters. Output includes urine, emesis, wound drainage, and nasogastric suction, also measured in milliliters. Use graduated containers for accuracy and convert household measures (cups, bowls) to mL using your facility's conversion chart.