How many ml is 35Cl of vodka?

November 14, 2025 •

3 min read

Did you know that in many European countries, a 35cl bottle of spirits is a common retail size, distinct from the more familiar 70cl bottles? This guide will explain precisely how many ml is 35cl of vodka, clearing up any confusion about this metric measurement.

Quick Summary

This article explains the conversion of 35cl to milliliters, a common measurement for vodka and other spirits, and clarifies the straightforward metric system calculation. It also provides context on standard bottle sizes and international measurement differences.

Key Points

Quick Conversion: 35cl of vodka is equivalent to 350ml, as 1 centiliter equals 10 milliliters.
Metric System Simplicity: The conversion is based on the metric system's base-10 structure, making the calculation straightforward.
Clarification of 'Cl': When associated with a number and a beverage, 'cl' stands for centiliter, not the chemical element Chlorine.
Common Bottle Size: A 35cl bottle is a standard half-size or 'flask' bottle in many European markets, differing from standard 70cl or 750ml bottles.
Responsible Drinking: Knowing the metric conversion is crucial for accurately calculating alcohol units and monitoring consumption.
Global Consistency: The metric system, including centiliters, is used by the International Bartenders Association, standardizing cocktail recipes worldwide.

The Direct Answer: 35cl to Milliliters

To quickly and accurately find out how many ml is 35cl of vodka, you only need one simple conversion factor. One centiliter (cl) is equal to 10 milliliters (ml). Therefore, the calculation is as follows:

35 cl × 10 = 350 ml

So, 35cl of vodka is equal to 350ml. This is a common half-sized or 'flask' bottle volume, particularly for spirits sold in the United Kingdom. Understanding this basic relationship is key to deciphering metric volume measurements for beverages and beyond.

Deciphering the Metric System

The metric system's strength lies in its base-10 structure, which makes conversions straightforward through multiplication or division by powers of ten. Both centiliters and milliliters are part of this system, derived from the base unit of a liter. The prefixes 'centi-' and 'milli-' provide the necessary context:

Centi-: Means one-hundredth (1/100) of a liter.
Milli-: Means one-thousandth (1/1000) of a liter.

Because a milliliter is one-tenth the size of a centiliter, converting from centiliters to milliliters is simply a matter of multiplying by 10. Conversely, converting from milliliters to centiliters requires dividing by 10.

What the 'Cl' in 35cl Really Means

It is worth noting that the notation '35Cl' could potentially be misinterpreted in a different context. 'Cl' is the chemical symbol for the element Chlorine. However, when used in relation to alcoholic beverages and in conjunction with a volume number (like 35cl, 70cl, or 50cl), it is unequivocally referring to centiliters. This is a common point of confusion for those unfamiliar with metric measurements in the retail or bartending context, but the association with a liquid product like vodka makes the intended meaning clear.

International Bottle Sizes and Measurements

Bottle sizes and common spirit measurements can vary significantly depending on the country. A 35cl bottle is a standard half-size in many metric-using regions, while other countries use different systems, like the US fluid ounce.

Common Spirit Measurements Comparison


Measurement	Metric Volume	US Equivalent	Common Use	Context
Single Shot	25-35ml	~1 to 1.5 fl oz	UK, Northern Ireland	Bartending
Double Shot	50ml	~1.7 fl oz	Metric System	Bartending
35cl Bottle	350ml	~11.8 fl oz	UK	'Half' or 'Flask' bottle size
70cl Bottle	700ml	~23.7 fl oz	UK, EU	Standard bottle size
750ml Bottle	750ml	~25.4 fl oz	US, EU	Standard bottle size

This comparison table helps illustrate why a consumer might encounter a 35cl bottle in one location but a 375ml or 750ml bottle in another, even for the same brand of vodka.

Why Metric is Used for Alcohol

From a global perspective, the metric system is the official standard in most countries, with the US being a notable exception still using imperial measurements for certain contexts. The International Bartenders Association (IBA) relies on the metric system for its official cocktail recipes, specifying volumes in centiliters, which standardizes practices worldwide. This makes it easier for bartenders and consumers to follow recipes and measure ingredients accurately, regardless of location.

Calculating Alcohol Units

Beyond simply converting volume, understanding metric measurements is vital for responsible drinking. In the UK, for example, a standard single measure of spirits is 25ml (1 unit), but a larger 35ml measure (1.4 units at 40% ABV) is also common. Knowing that a 35cl bottle contains 350ml allows drinkers to more accurately estimate their total alcohol intake. The total number of units can be calculated by multiplying the bottle's volume in centiliters by the spirit's ABV percentage and then dividing by 100. For a 40% ABV vodka, a 35cl bottle contains 14 units (40 x 35 / 100).

Conclusion

In conclusion, 35cl of vodka is exactly 350ml. This conversion is a straightforward application of the metric system, where one centiliter equals ten milliliters. While regional differences in bottle sizes and standard pours exist, particularly when comparing metric-using countries with those using imperial measurements, the fundamental principle of metric conversion remains constant. From bartending to retail, understanding this basic unit conversion empowers consumers to accurately measure and comprehend the contents of their drinks.

For further reading on the International System of Units, you can visit the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) website.

Frequently Asked Questions

A centiliter (cl) is a metric unit of volume equal to one-hundredth of a liter, while a milliliter (ml) is one-thousandth of a liter. One centiliter is equal to 10 milliliters.

Yes, 35cl bottles are a common size for spirits like vodka in many markets, especially in Europe. They are often referred to as 'flask' or 'half-size' bottles.

The abbreviation 'Cl' can be confusing because it is also the chemical symbol for Chlorine. However, the context of the measurement (e.g., on a bottle of vodka) makes it clear that it refers to centiliters.

35cl of vodka is equal to 350ml, which converts to approximately 11.8 US fluid ounces. For context, a standard US spirit bottle is 750ml, or about 25.4 fluid ounces.

To calculate alcohol units, multiply the bottle's volume in centiliters (35) by the ABV percentage, then divide by 100. For a 40% ABV vodka, the calculation is (35 x 40) / 100, which equals 14 units.

No, different countries have varying standards. While most of the world uses the metric system, the United States still uses imperial measurements like fluid ounces. This can affect standard bottle sizes and serving pours.

Standard bottle sizes vary by region. In Europe, 70cl is a very common standard. In the United States, the standard size is typically 750ml, which is slightly larger.