Liters to Grams Calculator
Density
Think of it this way: A 1-liter bucket filled with fluffy cotton balls will weigh almost nothing. The same 1-liter bucket filled with concrete will be incredibly heavy. The volume (1 Liter) stayed the same, but the weight (Grams) changed drastically because the density of the material changed.
The Conversion Formula
To perform this calculation manually, you use the following physics formula:
$$Mass = Volume \times Density$$
- Mass is the weight you are looking for (in grams).
- Volume is the amount of space the ingredient takes up (in liters or milliliters).
- Density is how tightly packed the molecules are (usually in g/mL or kg/L).
The “Water” Rule:
Water is the baseline. 1 Liter of water weighs exactly 1000 Grams (at standard temperature). This is why many people assume $1 \text{ L} = 1 \text{ kg}$. However, this rule only applies to water.
Common Ingredient Densities
Our calculator above has these values built-in, but if you are doing the math on paper, use these standard density approximations for common kitchen and chemistry ingredients.
| Ingredient Category | Ingredient | Density (approx.) | 1 Liter Weighs… |
| Liquids | Water | 1.00 g/mL | 1,000 g |
| Milk | 1.03 g/mL | 1,030 g | |
| Vegetable Oil | 0.92 g/mL | 920 g | |
| Honey | 1.42 g/mL | 1,420 g | |
| Powders | All Purpose Flour | 0.53 g/mL | 529 g |
| Powdered Sugar | 0.56 g/mL | 560 g | |
| Cocoa Powder | 0.65 g/mL | 650 g | |
| Granular | Granulated Sugar | 0.70 g/mL | 705 g |
| Table Salt | 1.20 g/mL | 1,200 g |
Note: “Packed” ingredients (like brown sugar) have a higher density than loose ingredients because you are squeezing out the air pockets.
For a visual explanation of how volume and mass interact differently across various substances, you can watch this helpful guide:
FAQs
Q1. Why is my flour weight different than the calculator?
A: Flour is notorious for having variable density depending on how it was packed. If you scoop flour directly from the bag, it is compressed (dense). If you sift it first, it is aerated (light). This calculator uses the standard “dip and sweep” density average of ~0.53 g/mL.
Q2. Does temperature affect the conversion?
A: Technically, yes. Liquids expand when hot (becoming less dense) and contract when cold. For general cooking and basic chemistry, this difference is negligible. However, for precise laboratory work, you should ensure your liquids are at room temperature (20°C / 68°F).
Q3. Can I convert liters to grams for gases?
A: Not easily with this tool. Gases are highly compressible, meaning their density changes drastically with pressure and temperature (Ideal Gas Law). This calculator is optimized for liquids and solids only.
Q4. What is the difference between specific gravity and density?
A: In the metric system, they are often numerically identical. Specific gravity is a ratio comparing a substance to water. Since water is 1 g/mL, a substance with a specific gravity of 0.92 usually has a density of 0.92 g/mL. You can use specific gravity values in the “Custom Density” field.
Sources: Inch Calculator, Calculator Online, ConvertUnits, PlanetCalc, Metric Calculator, BrightChamps, Omni Calculator, Kalkulatori.lv.