Volume · Unit Converter

Convert Drop to Liter

Convert drops to liters instantly. 1 drop = 5e-5 liter — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Liter to Drop converter for the reverse conversion.

Written by Sunith Babu L, Ph.D., Lead Engineer Reviewed by Dr. Jaya Christiyan K G, Ph.D.
Volume category 2 min read Published Last reviewed Updated

Units explained

Cooking / Culinary

Drop

What is a drop?

A drop is a nominal small volume of about 0.05 mL; the exact size varies with the liquid and dropper.

Origin of the drop

Standardized loosely in pharmacy as roughly 1/20 of a milliliter (the metric drop).

Where it is used

Used for liquid medication and flavor dosing; treat as approximate.

When and where it was developed

Pharmacy convention.

Metric / SI

Liter

What is a liter?

The liter is a metric unit of volume equal to one cubic decimeter (0.001 m³). It is the everyday metric volume unit.

Origin of the liter

Introduced in France in 1795; redefined in 1964 as exactly one cubic decimeter.

Where it is used

The world's common unit for beverages, fuel, and household liquids.

When and where it was developed

France, 1795; CGPM 1964.

Drop to Liter conversion formula

Note: this conversion uses a generally accepted modern value. Historical and regional definitions of this unit varied across times and places.

The relationship between drops and liters:

1 gtt = 5e-5 L
1 L = 20000 gtt

To convert drops to liters, multiply the value in drops by 5e-5. To reverse, multiply liters by 20000.

How to use this converter

Type a value into the calculator. The result in liters updates as you type. Tap a quick value, copy the result with one click, or use the swap arrow to jump straight to the Liter to Drop converter for the reverse direction.

Step-by-step: convert drops to liters

  1. Write down the value in drops (gtt).
  2. Multiply that value by the factor 5e-5.
  3. The product is the equivalent value in liters (L).
  4. To reverse, multiply the liter value by 20000.

Worked examples

Example 1 — Convert 1 gtt to L:
1 × 5e-5 = 5e-5 L

Example 2 — Convert 100 gtt to L:
100 × 5e-5 = 0.005 L

Real-world example — From wavelengths to millimeter-scale objects

A value of one million drops sounds vast at the atomic scale but converts to a small everyday quantity in liters — useful when relating optical-wavelength specifications to physical mounting hardware.

1000000 gtt × 5e-5 = 50 L

Real-world example — Sub-micron to millimeter

500,000 drops converts to a small everyday quantity in liters — useful when relating optical-wavelength specifications to physical mounting hardware.

500000 gtt × 5e-5 = 25 L

Drop to Liter conversion table

Standard reference values for converting drops to liters:

Drop [gtt]Liter [L]
0.015e-7
0.15e-6
15e-5
21e-4
30.00015
40.0002
50.00025
100.0005
200.001
300.0015
400.002
500.0025
1000.005
5000.025
10000.05

Frequently asked questions

How many liters is 1 drop?
1 drop equals 5e-5 liter.
How do I convert drops to liters?
Multiply the value in drops by 5e-5 to get liters.
How do I convert liters back to drops?
Multiply the value in liters by 20000, or use the Liter to Drop converter.
How many liters is 100 drops?
100 drops equals 0.005 liters, because 100 × 5e-5 = 0.005.

Convert Drop to other volume units

Show all Drop conversions
Metric / SI (3 units)
US Customary (Liquid) (1 units)
Imperial (UK) (1 units)
Cubic (length-derived) (1 units)

Sources & references

Conversion factor (1 gtt = 5e-5 L) verified against the following authoritative sources:

Results are provided for general reference. Verify critical measurements against an authoritative standard.