Liter vs. Litre: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 6, 2023
"Liter" is the American English spelling for a unit of volume, while "Litre" is the British English spelling for the same unit.
Key Differences
The term "Liter" and "Litre" both represent a unit of volume that is widely used in the metric system. In American English, "Liter" is the preferred spelling. For example, when buying a bottle of soda in the U.S., it might be labeled as 2 liters. The term conforms to the typical American way of spelling, aligning with other words like "meter" instead of "metre" or "center" instead of "centre."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Conversely, "Litre" is the spelling adopted by British English and by many other countries that follow British English conventions. In the UK, if you were to purchase the same bottle of soda, it would likely be labeled as 2 litres. This version of the term fits in with the British style of spelling, which is also seen in words like "theatre" as opposed to the American "theater."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Despite the difference in spelling, "Liter" and "Litre" denote the exact same volume measurement. They are merely regional variations in spelling for the same concept. While "Liter" might be the norm in official documents and publications in the U.S., "Litre" would be seen in similar publications in the UK or Australia.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
It's important to be aware of these distinctions, especially in professional or academic contexts where language precision matters. However, in everyday conversation or when traveling, most people will understand the meaning regardless of the spelling variant used.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
Comparison Chart
Spelling Region
American English
British English and other Commonwealth countries
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
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Example Usage
Soda bottle labeled as "2 liters" in the U.S.
Soda bottle labeled as "2 litres" in the UK.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Meaning
A unit of volume in the metric system.
A unit of volume in the metric system.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
Used In Publications
Typical in U.S. official documents and publications.
Seen in UK, Australia, and similar regions' publications.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Liter and Litre Definitions
Liter
An American English spelling of a metric unit of volume.
The fuel tank can hold up to 10 liters of gasoline.
Sara Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
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Litre
Represents the same volume as the American "liter", but with a regional spelling.
The car's fuel efficiency is 10 kilometres per litre.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Liter
A common unit for measuring fuel efficiency in the U.S., as miles per liter.
His car gets 15 miles per liter on the highway.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Litre
Standard for measuring volume in many countries outside of the U.S.
The patient requires one litre of IV fluids.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Liter
Used in American scientific contexts when referencing volume.
The chemist mixed two solutions in a 5-liter beaker.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Litre
The British English spelling of a metric unit of volume.
The kettle has a capacity of one litre.
Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
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Liter
A measure used commonly in the U.S. for liquid quantities.
I bought a liter of milk from the store.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
Litre
A measure used commonly in the UK and other British English-speaking regions for liquid quantities.
Can you get a litre of orange juice from the shop?
Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
Liter
Equivalent to 1,000 cubic centimeters or 1 cubic decimeter.
A box that's 10cm x 10cm x 10cm has a volume of one liter.
Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
Litre
Used in British scientific contexts when referencing volume.
The lab technician used a 2-litre flask for the experiment.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Liter
A metric unit of volume equal to approximately 1.056 liquid quarts, 0.908 dry quart, or 0.264 gallon. See Table at measurement.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 29, 2022
Litre
The metric unit of fluid measure, equal to one cubic decimetre. Symbols: l, L, ℓ
You should be able to fill four cups with one litre of water.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 29, 2022
Liter
A measure of capacity in the metric system, being a cubic decimeter, equal to 61.022 cubic inches, or 2.113 American pints, or 1.76 English pints.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 29, 2022
Liter
A metric unit of capacity equal to the volume of 1 kilogram of pure water at 4 degrees centigrade and 760 mm of mercury (or approximately 1.76 pints)
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 29, 2022
Litre
A metric unit of capacity equal to the volume of 1 kilogram of pure water at 4 degrees centigrade and 760 mm of mercury (or approximately 1.76 pints)
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 29, 2022
FAQs
Does the spelling difference affect measurements?
No, the measurement is consistent regardless of the spelling.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Would I see "Litre" used in Canada?
Yes, Canada typically uses "Litre," following British English conventions.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Is "Liter" the correct spelling in the U.S.?
Yes, "Liter" is the preferred American English spelling.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Which spelling is used in scientific research?
Both are used, depending on the country of publication.
Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
Can I use "Liter" when writing for a British audience?
It's better to use "Litre" for a British audience for consistency.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
Is there any difference in pronunciation?
Typically, no significant difference. Both sound like "LEET-er."
Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
How did the two spellings originate?
They evolved from historical variations and standardizations in British and American English.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
How do other languages spell the unit?
The spelling varies by language, with many using variations close to "Litre."
Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
Are "Liter" and "Litre" the same in terms of volume?
Yes, they represent the same unit of volume, just different spellings.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Which version is used in international standards?
Both are recognized, but international standards might lean toward "Litre."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
In which countries is "Litre" the common spelling?
UK, Australia, Canada, and many others following British English conventions.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Are there other words with such American/British differences?
Yes, like "color/colour" or "favor/favour."
Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
How should I decide which spelling to use?
Consider your audience and the regional conventions of your content.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Why is there a difference in spelling?
It's a result of regional language variations between American and British English.
Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
Do American schools teach the "Litre" spelling?
Typically, American schools teach the "Liter" spelling.
Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
Is one spelling better than the other?
Neither is "better"; it's about regional correctness and audience.
Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
What symbol represents this unit of volume?
Both spellings use the symbol "L."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
How many milliliters are in a liter/litre?
There are 1,000 milliliters in a liter/litre.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
In software or apps, which spelling is used?
It often depends on the regional settings of the software.
Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
