The Differences Between Liter and Litre Explained Simply

Understanding the Difference: Liter vs. Litre

The words liter and litre are two ways to talk about the same thing: a measure for liquids, like water or milk. They mean the same thing but are spelled differently. Let’s learn more about these words.

History of the Words

The word litre comes from the French word litron, which was used a long time ago. Later, people in different places started using it in their own way. That’s how we got two spellings!

How to Use the Words

Liter is used in American English. This is how people in the United States spell the word.

Litre is used in British English and other countries like Canada and Australia.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Think of the word “meter.” In the United States, it’s spelled as “meter” and in British English, it’s “metre”. So, for liter, remember “meter” for American English and litre with “metre” for British and other countries.

Example Sentences with “Liter”

• She drank a liter of water after her run.
• The recipe calls for one liter of milk.
• The tank holds 20 liters of gas.
• He bought a two-liter bottle of soda.
• Anna filled her bottle with a liter of juice.

Example Sentences with “Litre”

• She drank a litre of water after the game.
• The recipe says to add one litre of milk.
• The car needs at least 50 litres of petrol to fill up.
• He purchased a three-litre jug of cider.
• Anna’s water bottle can hold half a litre.

Summary of Usage

In summary, liter is the spelling used in the United States, and litre is the spelling used in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and other countries. They both mean the same amount of liquid. Just remember: “meter” goes with “liter” for American English, and “metre” with “litre” for British English.