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How to Read Syringes Download Article Medically reviewed by Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS
Last Updated: August 22, 2025 Fact Checked
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Measuring by a Syringe’s Marks
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Using a Syringe Accurately
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Warnings
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This article was medically reviewed by Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS. Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 789,382 times.
You may think all you've got to do to read a syringe is look at the lines on the tube. But different syringes measure volume in different increments, and sometimes they don’t use the standard unit, milliliters (mL). This can make the process more difficult than it looks! Always start by double-checking your syringe’s unit of measurement, and the value of each line on the tube. To get an accurate measurement, all you need to do is fill the syringe and push the plunger down to the amount you need to measure out.
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Part 1 Part 1 of 2:
Measuring by a Syringe’s Marks
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1 Check the units of your syringe. There are many different sizes of syringes. Most will be clearly marked in milliliters (mL). You'll see hash marks on the tube of the syringe. Each 1 marks a certain number of milliliters or fractions of milliliters.[1]XResearch source
Some syringes, such as those used to measure insulin, are marked in numbers of "units" rather than milliliters.
Some older or non-standard syringes may also use different units.
2 Count the lines on a syringe marked in even-numbered increments. Most syringes include incremental hash marks between larger, numbered ones. For instance, you might have a syringe that is marked large lines at 2 mL, 4 mL, and 6 mL. Halfway between each of these large lines, you might see a slightly smaller line. In between each numbered line and the slightly smaller line, you would then see 4 even smaller lines.[2]XResearch source
Each of the smallest lines would count for 0.2 mL.[3]XResearch source For instance, the first line above the 2 mL line would equal 2.2 mL, the second line above it would equal 2.4 mL.
The mid-sized line halfway between each number would equal the odd number in between. For example, the halfway mark between 2 mL and 4 mL equals 3 mL, and the mark halfway between 4 mL and 6 mL equals 5 mL.
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3 Read a syringe marked in consecutive increments. For instance, your syringe may be marked with a number at every successive mL. In between you'll see a mid-sized line that marks half mL units, like 0.5 mL, 1.5 mL, 2.5 mL, and so on. The 4 smaller lines between every half mL and mL line each mark 0.1 mL.[4]XResearch source
So, if you need to measure 2.3 mL, draw the liquid to the third line above the 2 line. If you need to measure 2.7 mL, that will be the second line above the 2.5 mL mark.
Your syringe may be marked in other increments, such as multiples of 5 mL or in fractions of 1 mL. If so, the principle stays the same—just look for the major numbers marked on the syringe, and count the smaller marks in between.
4 Measure in between the hash marks, if necessary. Sometimes you will be asked to measure an amount that is not exactly marked by the hash lines on your syringe. To do this, you'll have to count between the lines.[5]XResearch source
For instance, say you have been asked to measure 3.3 mL of a medication, but your syringe Is marked in hash marks of 0.2 mL increments.
Pull the medication up the syringe and then push the plunger down until the medication is between the 3.2 mL and 3.4 mL lines.
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Using a Syringe Accurately
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1 Hold the syringe by its flange. Grasp the syringe by the winged parts located on the end of the syringe opposite from the tip. This is known as the flange. Holding the syringe this way makes it so your fingers won't be in the way while you try to read the syringe.[6]X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlusCollection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
Holding the syringe this way is also important for super-precise, scientific measurements, to ensure that your body heat from your fingers doesn't distort the material you're measuring in the syringe. For everyday measurements (like home medications), you don't need to worry about body heat distortion.
2 Over-fill the syringe. Always use a syringe that is larger than the amount you need to measure. Insert the needle into the liquid you want to measure, then slowly pull back on the plunger until the syringe is filled past the mark for the amount you need to measure.[7]X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlusCollection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
For instance, if you are measuring out 3 mL of a children's medication, use a 5 mL or larger syringe. Pull the plunger back until the liquid fills the syringe past the 3 mL mark.
3 Release the plunger until it is at the mark you need to measure by. Still holding the syringe in your hand, slowly push down on the end of the plunger with your thumb until its edge is even with the point you need to measure by.[8]X Trustworthy Source HealthyChildren.orgHealth information from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Go to source
For instance, if you are measuring 3 mL of a medication, push the plunger down until it is even with the 3 mL mark.
4 Read from the top ring of the plunger. No matter what syringe you use, always look at the part of the plunger closest to the tip when reading it. This will be the part touching the liquid that you are measuring. The part of the plunger closest to the top of the syringe is irrelevant and not meant to be used for measuring.[9]X Trustworthy Source HealthyChildren.orgHealth information from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Go to source
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Warnings
Never attempt to measure using a syringe marked in units different than the ones you're told to use. For instance, don't try to guess and measure in mL using a syringe that is marked only in teaspoons. This can lead to inaccurate readings. Thanks Helpful 20 Not Helpful 5
Some syringes may be marked in more than 1 unit, such as teaspoons as well as mL. Make sure to be consistent and use only 1 set of unit lines. Thanks Helpful 14 Not Helpful 9
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Medically reviewed by: Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS Registered Nurse This article was medically reviewed by Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS. Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013. This article has been viewed 789,382 times. 215 votes - 56% Co-authors: 11Updated: August 22, 2025 Views: 789,382 Categories: Injections
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
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Article SummaryX
To read a syringe, always start by double-checking the unit of measurement and the value of each line on the tube. Most syringes will be clearly marked in milliliters, though some older ones are in different units. Look at the larger, numbered hash marks, then count how many smaller hash marks are in between to verify if these smaller marks are half or whole units. To learn how to use a syringe accurately, keep reading!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
Robin Fox
Sep 2, 2022
"I usually only give my birds medication in water, giving directly from a syringe is easy, but the bird lost weight, so the calculation is less this time. 0.15 or 0.5 on the syringes. I know 0.5 but not 0.15 is between the 1 and the 2 on this size. Thanks for your article the picture shows me the amount to give to him! He's feeling better now! "..." more Rated this article:
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Medically reviewed by: Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS Registered Nurse 215 votes - 56% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 11Updated: August 22, 2025 Views: 789,382
Robin Fox
Sep 2, 2022
"I usually only give my birds medication in water, giving directly from a syringe is easy, but the bird lost weight, so the calculation is less this time. 0.15 or 0.5 on the syringes. I know 0.5 but not 0.15 is between the 1 and the 2 on this size. Thanks for your article the picture shows me the amount to give to him! He's feeling better now! "..." more Rated this article:
Sandra Chestnut
Apr 29, 2020
"The milliliters were marked very clearly on the syringe and the pharmacy clearly pointed out the dosage, so I would be giving her the right amount."..." more
Patricia Canciller
Apr 1, 2020
"Gave me exact details about what I wanted to know. Also gave me insight on how to use and measure four different ways."..." more
Pat Moore
Jan 23, 2020
"This told me exactly what I wanted to know." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Medically reviewed by: Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS Registered Nurse This article was medically reviewed by Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS. Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013. This article has been viewed 789,382 times. 215 votes - 56% Co-authors: 11 Updated: August 22, 2025 Views: 789,382 Categories: Injections 
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1 Check the units of your syringe. There are many different sizes of syringes. Most will be clearly marked in milliliters (mL). You'll see hash marks on the tube of the syringe. Each 1 marks a certain number of milliliters or fractions of milliliters.[1] 
2 Count the lines on a syringe marked in even-numbered increments. Most syringes include incremental hash marks between larger, numbered ones. For instance, you might have a syringe that is marked large lines at 2 mL, 4 mL, and 6 mL. Halfway between each of these large lines, you might see a slightly smaller line. In between each numbered line and the slightly smaller line, you would then see 4 even smaller lines.[2] 
3 Read a syringe marked in consecutive increments. For instance, your syringe may be marked with a number at every successive mL. In between you'll see a mid-sized line that marks half mL units, like 0.5 mL, 1.5 mL, 2.5 mL, and so on. The 4 smaller lines between every half mL and mL line each mark 0.1 mL.[4] 
4 Measure in between the hash marks, if necessary. Sometimes you will be asked to measure an amount that is not exactly marked by the hash lines on your syringe. To do this, you'll have to count between the lines.[5] 
1 Hold the syringe by its flange. Grasp the syringe by the winged parts located on the end of the syringe opposite from the tip. This is known as the flange. Holding the syringe this way makes it so your fingers won't be in the way while you try to read the syringe.[6] 
2 Over-fill the syringe. Always use a syringe that is larger than the amount you need to measure. Insert the needle into the liquid you want to measure, then slowly pull back on the plunger until the syringe is filled past the mark for the amount you need to measure.[7] 
3 Release the plunger until it is at the mark you need to measure by. Still holding the syringe in your hand, slowly push down on the end of the plunger with your thumb until its edge is even with the point you need to measure by.[8] 
4 Read from the top ring of the plunger. No matter what syringe you use, always look at the part of the plunger closest to the tip when reading it. This will be the part touching the liquid that you are measuring. The part of the plunger closest to the top of the syringe is irrelevant and not meant to be used for measuring.[9] Advertisement