Convert Picoliter to Liter
Convert picoliters to liters instantly. 1 picoliter = 1e-12 liter — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Liter to Picoliter converter for the reverse conversion.
Units explained
Picoliter
A picoliter is 10⁻¹² liter (10⁻¹⁵ m³).
Formed with the SI prefix pico- applied to the liter.
Encountered in inkjet droplet sizing and cellular biology.
Metric prefix system.
Liter
The liter is a metric unit of volume equal to one cubic decimeter (0.001 m³). It is the everyday metric volume unit.
Introduced in France in 1795; redefined in 1964 as exactly one cubic decimeter.
The world's common unit for beverages, fuel, and household liquids.
France, 1795; CGPM 1964.
Picoliter to Liter conversion formula
The relationship between picoliters and liters:
To convert picoliters to liters, multiply the value in picoliters by 1e-12. To reverse, multiply liters by 1e+12.
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 Picoliter converter for the reverse direction.
Step-by-step: convert picoliters to liters
- Write down the value in picoliters (pL).
- Multiply that value by the factor 1e-12.
- The product is the equivalent value in liters (L).
- To reverse, multiply the liter value by 1e+12.
Worked examples
Example 1 — Convert 1 pL to L:
1 × 1e-12 = 1e-12 L
Example 2 — Convert 100 pL to L:
100 × 1e-12 = 1e-10 L
Real-world example — Sub-micron to millimeter
500,000 picoliters converts to a small everyday quantity in liters — useful when relating optical-wavelength specifications to physical mounting hardware.
500000 pL × 1e-12 = 5e-7 L
Real-world example — From wavelengths to millimeter-scale objects
A value of one million picoliters 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 pL × 1e-12 = 1e-6 L
Picoliter to Liter conversion table
Standard reference values for converting picoliters to liters:
| Picoliter [pL] | Liter [L] |
|---|---|
| 0.01 | 1e-14 |
| 0.1 | 1e-13 |
| 1 | 1e-12 |
| 2 | 2e-12 |
| 3 | 3e-12 |
| 4 | 4e-12 |
| 5 | 5e-12 |
| 10 | 1e-11 |
| 20 | 2e-11 |
| 30 | 3e-11 |
| 40 | 4e-11 |
| 50 | 5e-11 |
| 100 | 1e-10 |
| 500 | 5e-10 |
| 1000 | 1e-9 |
Frequently asked questions
How many liters is 1 picoliter?
How do I convert picoliters to liters?
How do I convert liters back to picoliters?
How many liters is 100 picoliters?
Popular volume unit conversions
Convert Picoliter to other volume units
Show all Picoliter conversions
Metric / SI (3 units)
US Customary (Liquid) (1 units)
Imperial (UK) (1 units)
Cubic (length-derived) (1 units)
Sources & references
Conversion factor (1 pL = 1e-12 L) verified against the following authoritative sources:
- BIPM — The International System of Units (SI Brochure 9th ed.)
Official BIPM publication defining the seven SI base units (including the meter) and the rules for their use. The global authority on units of measurement.
- NIST — Guide to the SI
US National Institute of Standards and Technology reference covering the SI base and derived units with definitions and usage rules for US technical practice.
- NIST Special Publication 811 — Guide for the Use of the International System of Units
Detailed NIST guide covering exact conversion factors between SI and US customary units along with formatting and rounding conventions.
- NIST — Refinement of values for the yard and pound (Federal Register 1959)
The treaty (signed by US
- International Astronomical Union — System of Astronomical Constants
The IAU defines astronomical units including the AU (149597870700 m exactly) light-year and parsec used in astronomy and astrophysics.