femtoliter [fL] Unit Converter

Definition of femtoliter [fL] unit

A femtoliter (fL) is a unit of volume in the International System of Units (SI), equal to one quadrillionth of a liter: 10−15 liters. It is also equivalent to one cubic micrometer (µm³).

History of femtoliter [fL] unit

The prefix femto- was introduced into the SI prefix system in 1964, derived from the Danish word femten, meaning “fifteen,” because it represents a factor of 10−15. The femtoliter therefore became the SI-based name for an extremely small volume. Although rarely encountered in everyday measurement, it gained importance alongside advances in molecular biology, biochemistry, nanotechnology, and microfluidics. Modern laboratory instruments can measure or manipulate femtoliter-scale volumes, making the unit useful for describing tiny reaction chambers, droplets, and biological compartments at microscopic scales.

Applications of femtoliter [fL] unit

Today, femtoliters are used mainly in specialized science and engineering. They describe volumes in single-cell analysis, flow cytometry, digital PCR, mass spectrometry, lab-on-a-chip devices, and microfluidic droplets. Researchers may measure a femtoliter reaction chamber, estimate the volume of a tiny vesicle, or report liquid handling by automated nanoliter- and picoliter-scale instruments.

Complete list of femtoliter [fL] unit conversion