Liter or Litre: Spelling Differences and When to Use Each

Ever stumbled on whether to use liter or litre in your writing? You’re not alone. The debate between litre and liter goes beyond just spelling—it’s rooted in geography, history, and even scientific conventions.

In this article, we’ll break down the difference between litre and liter, explain when to use each, explore British English vs American English spelling, and guide you through style choices in academic, scientific, and international contexts.

Quick Summary

The difference between litre and liter comes down to regional spelling preferences. British English uses litre, while American English uses liter—but both refer to the same unit of volume in the metric system: 1 liter = 1,000 milliliters. This spelling distinction traces back to historical language evolution, particularly the influence of Noah Webster’s American spelling reforms. In academic, scientific, or international contexts, either spelling may be used—just ensure consistency. The abbreviation “L” (capitalized) is universally accepted to avoid confusion with the number 1. Whether you’re writing about fuel, beverages, or laboratory measurements, the key is knowing your audience and applying the appropriate spelling.

Why the Spelling Confusion Exists

The confusion comes from the age-old divide between British English and American English. While both spellings refer to the same unit of volume, the form you use depends on where you are—and sometimes who you’re writing for.

Quick facts:

• Both spellings are correct—in the right context.
• Litres or liters refer to the same quantity: 1 liter = 1 litre = 1,000 milliliters.
• The spelling depends on regional conventions and style guides.

What Does Liter or Litre Actually Mean?

Both liter and litre refer to a unit of volume in the metric system, equivalent to 1,000 cubic centimeters (cm³) or 1 cubic decimeter (dm³).

Common uses include:

• Measuring liquids (water, milk, oil)
• Fuel quantities (petrol, gas)
• Scientific and laboratory measurements
• Beverage packaging (like a 2-liter soda)

Metric Equivalents:

Measurement	Equivalent in Liters
1 milliliter (mL)	0.001 L
1000 mL	1 L
1 liter (or litre)	~0.264 US gallons
5 liters	~1.32 US gallons

The metric system is used globally in science and everyday life, making litre or liter one of the most recognized volume measurement units worldwide.

Litre vs Liter — Regional Spelling Standards

British English Preference

In the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and many Commonwealth countries, litre is the standard spelling. You’ll see this version on:

• Food and drink packaging
• Fuel station signs
• Government publications

Example:

“The average adult should drink at least 2 litres of water per day.”

American English Preference

In the United States, the spelling liter is used exclusively in education, business, and packaging.

Example:

“This bottle contains 1.5 liters of soda.”

American English uses liter, aligning with other simplified spellings (like color vs colour, center vs centre). This is largely thanks to Noah Webster, who reformed American spelling in the early 1800s to make it more phonetic and distinct from British English.

International Standards (SI Units)

Both litre and liter are acceptable in scientific contexts as long as consistency is maintained. The International System of Units (SI) officially recognizes L as the symbol, regardless of spelling.

• L is used instead of l to prevent confusion with the number 1.
• 1 L = 1000 mL

ISO and BIPM (International Bureau of Weights and Measures) both allow either spelling, depending on region.

How to Know Which Spelling to Use

Follow Regional Norms

If you’re writing for a regional audience:

• Use litre for British-style audiences.
• Use liter for American-style audiences.

This applies to everything from marketing content to recipe books.

Academic and Scientific Writing

Always follow the relevant style guide when writing for academic or scientific purposes.

Style Guide Preferences:

Style Guide	Preferred Spelling	Notes
APA (US)	Liter	Follows US English
MLA	Depends on audience	Use consistent spelling
Chicago Manual of Style	Liter	US standard
Oxford Style Manual	Litre	British standard

Consistency is key. Pick one spelling and stick with it throughout your text.

Writing for Global or Mixed Audiences

When in doubt:

• Choose liter for American-influenced markets (like the US, Philippines).
• Choose litre for European or Commonwealth-influenced regions.
• In scientific publications, use “L” as a neutral abbreviation.

Explore further:

• High-Quality Or High Quality: Which One Is Correct?
• Plural of Journey: Is It Journeys or Journies?
• Quit vs Resign: Clear Up the Confusion Once and For All
• Hyperbole Vs Metaphor: Definition, Examples & Key Differences
• What’s the Past Tense of Panic?

L or l: How to Abbreviate Liter or Litre

Both litre or liter are abbreviated using L or l, but most scientific communities now prefer capital “L” to avoid confusion with the digit 1.

Abbreviation tips:

• 1000 milliliters = 1 L (not 1 l)
• 2 L of water is clearer than 2 l of water

Standard Abbreviations:

Unit	Abbreviation
Liter / Litre	L
Milliliter	mL
Centiliter	cL
Deciliter	dL

Even packaging labels around the world have adopted L, even when using different spellings like litre.

Common Misconceptions: Litre vs Lite

People often confuse litre or liter with the term lite. Don’t fall into that trap.

• Lite is a marketing term, not a spelling of liter.
• Used to suggest “low calorie” or “lightweight” in food and drink products.

Examples:

• “Bud Light” might be labeled as Bud Lite for branding.
• “Lite cheese” = reduced fat, not a volume measurement.

So remember: lite ≠ liter or litre

Real-World Usage Examples

Sentences Using ‘Litre’ (British Style)

• “I bought a 5 litre can of engine oil.”
• “The UK recommends consuming at least 1.2 litres of water daily.”

Sentences Using ‘Liter’ (American Style)

• “A 2 liter soda bottle is standard in the U.S.”
• “This car gets about 6 liters per 100 km.”

Both are grammatically correct, depending on location.

Etymology of Liter or Litre

The word litre has its roots in French, coming from the old French word litron, which referred to a unit of volume. That word likely descended from the Medieval Latin litra, which itself came from the Greek litra—a unit of weight.

Timeline:

• 1795: The French metric system was established.
• 1824: UK adopted the imperial system, but the metric system (and litre) persisted in Europe.
• 1806–1828: Noah Webster introduced spelling reforms, changing litre to liter in the U.S.

This difference is one of many born from Webster’s goal to simplify American English.

Quick Reference Table

Here’s a handy breakdown of where and how to use each spelling of litre or liter:

Region	Standard Spelling	Example	Notes
United States	Liter	“2 liters of water”	Followed in all official and everyday use
United Kingdom	Litre	“2 litres of petrol”	Standard across all UK publications
Australia	Litre	“3 litres of milk”	Same as British English
Canada	Litre	“1 litre bottle”	Metric with British spelling
Scientific	Liter / Litre	“100 mL = 0.1 L”	Abbreviated as “L” globally

FAQs About Liter vs Litre

• Which spelling is correct—litre or liter?
  Both are correct, depending on your region. British English uses litre, while American English uses liter.
• Is it 2 liters or 2 litres?
  In the U.S., write 2 liters.
  In the UK or Australia, write 2 litres.
• Is it 1 liter or 1 litre?
  Same rule applies: liter in American contexts, litre elsewhere.
• Is it 100 liter or 100 litre?
  Use litre or liter based on your audience. Scientifically, write 100 L.
• Why do British people use litre?
  Because British English preserves traditional spellings and follows the French-influenced version of the metric system.
• Is it meter or metre—and is that related?
  Yes, it’s the same idea:
  Meter = American English
  Metre = British English
  Both are correct for measuring distance.

• Is lite ever a valid spelling for liter?
  No. Lite is slang or marketing jargon. It means light (in calories or weight), not a unit of measurement.

Conclusion:

In the battle of Liter Or Litre, both sides win—as long as you choose wisely.

• Writing for the U.S.? Stick with liter.
• Publishing in the UK, Australia, or Canada? Use litre.
• Doing scientific writing? Use L for abbreviation, and stay consistent with your chosen spelling.

The key is clarity. Let your audience, purpose, and regional norms guide your choice. Whether you’re measuring fuel, writing a report, or labeling a product, getting the liter spelling right shows precision and professionalism.

Final Tip:
If you’re unsure which spelling to use, look at what your target readers expect. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference—especially in a world where words carry weight.