Convert mL to cc (they are equal) with additional conversions to liters, fl oz, cups, drops. Includes volume reference table and medical syringe guide.
Milliliters (mL) and cubic centimeters (cc or cm³) are identical in volume: 1 mL = 1 cc, exactly and by definition. Despite this equivalence, both terms remain in widespread use, with "cc" traditional in medical settings (syringes, dosing) and "mL" standard in science and everyday measurement. This creates confusion for patients, students, and professionals unfamiliar with one notation.
This converter confirms the mL=cc equivalence while providing genuinely useful additional conversions to liters, cubic inches, fluid ounces, teaspoons, tablespoons, cups, and drops. A volume reference table compares your value to common kitchen and serving sizes.
An optional medical context section shows syringe sizes with their marking precision and typical uses, helping healthcare workers and patients understand which syringe is appropriate for a given volume. This practical information goes beyond simple conversion to support safe medication administration and clearer patient instruction in day-to-day clinical workflows with less ambiguity at handoff points for teams.
While mL and cc are equal, this tool provides value through additional unit conversions, volume references, and medical context that simple mental math doesn't offer. The syringe reference table is particularly useful for patients self-administering medications who need to understand volume markings.
Educators and healthcare professionals also use this page to clarify the mL/cc equivalence for students and patients who frequently confuse the two notations.
1 mL = 1 cc = 1 cm³ (exact, by definition) 1 mL = 0.0338 fl oz = 0.2 tsp 1 L = 1,000 mL = 1,000 cc 1 in³ = 16.387 mL
Result: 100 cc = 0.1 L = 3.38 fl oz ≈ 20 tsp
100 mL = 100 cc exactly. Divided by 1,000 = 0.1 L. Divided by 29.5735 = 3.38 fl oz. Divided by 5 = 20 teaspoons.
The cubic centimeter (cc) predates the milliliter—it was the original CGS (centimeter-gram-second) volume unit defined as the volume of a cube with 1 cm sides. The milliliter was later defined as 1/1000 of a liter. By 1964, the CGPM resolved that these are identical. Medicine adopted "cc" in the early 20th century and the abbreviation stuck despite SI preference for "mL".
The Joint Commission lists "cc" as a dangerous abbreviation because handwritten "cc" can be misread as "00" (leading to 100× overdose) or as "U" (units, a completely different measure). Electronic health records have reduced but not eliminated this risk. Best practice: always write "mL" and say "milliliters" in verbal orders.
Choosing the right syringe size affects measurement accuracy. Rule of thumb: use the smallest syringe that holds the required volume. A 1 mL syringe is accurate to 0.01 mL, while a 60 mL syringe is only accurate to 1 mL. For critical medications (insulin, heparin), always use the syringe specifically designed for that drug.
Yes, exactly. 1 cubic centimeter = 1 milliliter. This is true by definition (CGPM resolution, 1964). They are interchangeable in all contexts.
Historical convention. "cc" was adopted in medicine before the SI standardization of mL. While modern guidelines prefer mL, "cc" persists in practice, especially with syringes.
The Joint Commission recommends "mL" over "cc" because handwritten "cc" can be misread as "00" or "U" (units). Electronic prescribing has reduced but not eliminated this risk.
Yes. cm³ (cubic centimeter), cc, and mL are all identical volumes. cm³ is common in physics, cc in medicine, and mL in chemistry and everyday use.
1 teaspoon = 5 cc = 5 mL. This is the standard metric teaspoon used in medicine and cooking.
A 3 cc (3 mL) syringe, which is marked in 0.1 mL increments. This is the most common syringe for standard intramuscular and subcutaneous injections.