Pump output explained: what cc per stroke means

2 min read · 4 sections

What the number means

Pump output is the volume dispensed in one full stroke, usually given in cc. One cc is the same as one milliliter.

Typical ranges

Mist sprayers give small doses, often around a tenth of a cc. Treatment pumps give small, precise doses for serums. Lotion pumps give larger doses, often from about half a cc to a few cc per stroke.

Viscosity matters

Thicker formulas need a pump designed for higher viscosity. A thin liquid in a lotion pump, or a thick cream in a mist sprayer, will not dispense well.

How to choose

Start from how much product a customer uses each time, then pick an output that delivers that in one or two strokes. Test samples with your formula before deciding.