English UsageComparison guide

Liter vs. Litre

“Liter” and “litre” name the same metric volume unit. Cambridge marks liter as the US spelling and litre as the UK form.

Quick answer

Use “liter” in US English and “litre” in UK English for the metric volume unit.

Key details

Confusion Familyregional-spelling
Rule Familyregional-orthography
Termsliter, litre
Variant ScopeUS liter; UK litre.

Further guidance

Core difference

The pair is a regional spelling difference for the metric unit of volume.

Fast Test

Match the spelling to the regional or house style required by the document, then keep that choice consistent.

Variant Boundary

Do not treat one form as universally misspelled; use the regional or house style required.

Sources and evidence

Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.

  1. Liter — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Liter identified as the US spelling of litre
  2. Litre — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Litre identified as the UK form corresponding to US liter

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