Convert Picoliter (pL) to Barrel (US) (bbl (US)) instantly.
About these units
Picoliter (pL)
A picoliter is 10⁻¹² liters, bridging the gap between femtoliters and nanoliters. Many biological cells—such as yeast—have volumes in the picoliter range. This makes the unit particularly important in cell biology, single-cell genomics, and droplet microfluidics. Inkjet printers famously eject droplets on the order of a few picoliters, illustrating a precise and widespread technological use. This droplet size affects print resolution, color quality, and material deposition accuracy. The picoliter is also used in chemical analysis, micro-sampling, and lab-on-chip devices, where controlling tiny fluid quantities is essential for efficiency and precision.
Barrel (US) (bbl (US))
The US barrel is a unit with multiple definitions depending on the industry, though the most common general-purpose US barrel is 31.5 US gallons, used historically for dry goods, ale, and various agricultural products. In practice, the US barrel arose from traditional cask-making, where wooden barrels of different shapes were used for storage and transport. Because their capacity varied widely, different industries standardized the barrel at different volumes. Over time, manufacturers and commercial sectors adopted specific barrel sizes for consistency. Today, the US barrel appears in brewing, winemaking, certain agricultural commodities, and historical documents describing early American commerce. Its varied legacy makes it a fascinating example of an evolving unit shaped by economic necessity and craftsmanship.