Milliliter vs. Millilitre — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 27, 2024
Milliliter and millilitre refer to the same unit of volume in the metric system; "milliliter" is the American English spelling, while "millilitre" is used in British English.
Difference Between Milliliter and Millilitre
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Milliliter is the American English spelling for a metric unit of volume equal to one thousandth of a liter. Whereas millilitre represents the same measurement but follows the British English convention of spelling with an 're' at the end.
In scientific and medical contexts in the United States, "milliliter" is commonly used, denoted as ml. On the other hand, in the UK and other countries using British English, "millilitre" is the preferred spelling, also abbreviated as ml.
The choice between milliliter and millilitre often depends on the regional or national standards of English used in educational and professional settings. Whereas in informal settings, both terms might be used interchangeably without causing confusion.
Publications and official documents in the US will typically use "milliliter" to ensure consistency with American English spelling standards. On the other hand, publications in the Commonwealth countries are more likely to use "millilitre."
Despite the spelling differences, both terms are understood globally among English speakers and in international contexts related to science and health, the term is universally recognized, regardless of spelling.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Spelling
Milliliter
Millilitre
Usage
American English
British English
Abbreviation
Ml
Ml
Professional Use
Preferred in the US
Preferred in the UK
Global Understanding
Universally recognized
Universally recognized
Compare with Definitions
Milliliter
Employed in scientific research for precision in liquid measurement.
The solution requires 15 milliliters of acid.
Millilitre
A metric unit for measuring small volumes, equivalent to a cubic centimeter.
He filled the vial with 50 millilitres of solution.
Milliliter
A unit of capacity in the metric system, equal to one thousandth of a liter.
Please measure 20 milliliters of water for the experiment.
Millilitre
Frequently used in countries practicing British English for labeling beverages.
The bottle contains 750 millilitres of water.
Milliliter
Utilized in cooking to specify liquid ingredients.
Add 100 milliliters of milk to the mixture.
Millilitre
Essential in healthcare outside the US for administering liquid medicines.
The child was given 10 millilitres of cough syrup.
Milliliter
Standard measurement for nutritional information on food labels.
This beverage contains 250 milliliters per serving.
Millilitre
Integral in laboratory settings for conducting experiments.
Measure 30 millilitres of the reagent for the test.
Milliliter
Used commonly in medicine to measure doses of liquid medications.
The prescription states to take 5 milliliters of syrup daily.
Millilitre
Commonly appears in recipes within the Commonwealth nations.
Pour 200 millilitres of cream into the bowl.
Milliliter
A unit of volume equal to one thousandth (10-3) of a liter. See Table at measurement.
Millilitre
(British spelling) A unit of measure of capacity, being one thousandth of a litre. Symbol: ml
Milliliter
(American spelling) millilitre
Millilitre
A metric unit of volume equal to one thousandth of a liter
Milliliter
A measure of capacity in the metric system, containing the thousandth part of a liter. It is a cubic centimeter, and is equal to .061 of an English cubic inch, or to .0338 of an American fluid ounce.
Milliliter
A metric unit of volume equal to one thousandth of a liter
Common Curiosities
Which spelling should I use in academic writing?
Use "milliliter" in American English and "millilitre" in British English.
How is the abbreviation for milliliter/millilitre written?
The abbreviation is ml for both spellings.
Do milliliter and millilitre have the same pronunciation?
Yes, both terms are pronounced the same way.
What is the symbol for milliliter and millilitre?
The symbol is "ml" for both.
Can the terms milliliter and millilitre be used interchangeably?
Yes, in most contexts, they can be used interchangeably as they refer to the same measure.
Is there a difference in how milliliters and millilitres are used in recipes?
No, both terms refer to the same volume and are used similarly in recipes.
How do software and digital platforms handle the difference in spelling?
Most software and platforms recognize both spellings as correct.
Are milliliter and millilitre the same?
Yes, milliliter and millilitre are the same volume unit, differing only in spelling.
In which countries is millilitre the preferred spelling?
Commonwealth countries and those following British English conventions.
Are there any contexts where it's crucial to use one spelling over the other?
Yes, depending on the regional language standards in professional and educational documents.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Lexicon vs. Vocabulary
Next Comparison
Coaching vs. MentoringAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
