Start with this short video, then scroll down for the full guide.
Why This Matters for Nursing: IV fluids in liters, medications in milliliters, intake measured in ounces—nurses constantly convert between volume units. A single error can mean giving a patient 10x too much or too little fluid.
| Conversion | Factor |
|---|---|
| 1 liter (L) = | 1,000 milliliters (mL) |
| 1 mL = | 1 cc (cubic centimeter) |
| Conversion | Factor |
|---|---|
| 1 cup = | 8 fluid ounces (fl oz) |
| 1 pint = | 2 cups = 16 fl oz |
| 1 quart = | 2 pints = 32 fl oz |
| 1 gallon = | 4 quarts = 128 fl oz |
| Conversion | Factor |
|---|---|
| 1 fl oz ≈ | 30 mL |
| 1 cup ≈ | 240 mL |
| 1 liter ≈ | 33.8 fl oz |
| 1 teaspoon (tsp) = | 5 mL |
| 1 tablespoon (tbsp) = | 15 mL |
"30 mL = 1 ounce" — This is the most important conversion in healthcare!
Cup of coffee = 240 mL = 8 oz (easy to remember)
Teaspoon = 5 mL (common medication dosing)
mL = cc — They're identical! (1 mL = 1 cubic centimeter)
Problem: Convert 2.5 L to mL.
Step 1 — Identify the direction. Liters (large) to milliliters (small) → multiply.
Step 2 — Use the conversion. 1 L = 1,000 mL.
Step 3 — Multiply. 2.5 × 1,000 = 2,500 mL.
Answer: 2,500 mL
The worked examples and practice problems are the part that actually prepares you for the TEAS.
Unlock Full Guide — Free for 3 Days$0 today • Cancel anytime before your trial ends