Liter to Gallon Calculator: Convert L to Gal (US & UK)
Quickly convert liters to gallons using this simple tool. Choose between US and UK gallons depending on your needs.
Understanding the Conversion from Liters to Gallons
Volume is a key measurement in cooking, chemistry, fuel management, and many industrial processes. Two of the most common volume units used globally are the liter and the gallon. While liters are part of the metric system and widely adopted worldwide, gallons—specifically US and UK gallons—are still in use in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom. This calculator allows easy and accurate conversion from liters to both US and UK gallons, depending on your needs.
What Is a Liter?
A liter (L) is a metric unit of volume equal to 1,000 cubic centimeters (1 cubic decimeter). It is the most widely used unit for liquid volume in the world and is common in everyday contexts like bottled beverages, car fuel tanks, and cooking recipes. Because it is part of the International System of Units (SI), it is consistent and easy to convert within the metric system.
What Is a Gallon?
The gallon is a unit of volume that differs depending on the measurement system in use:
- US gallon: 1 US gallon = 3.78541 liters
- UK (Imperial) gallon: 1 UK gallon = 4.54609 liters
This means that 1 liter is equivalent to:
- 0.264172 US gallons
- 0.219969 UK gallons
Conversion Formulas
US Gallons = Liters × 0.264172
UK Gallons = Liters × 0.219969
Example: 5 liters × 0.264172 = 1.32086 US gallonsLiters to Gallons Conversion Table
| Liters | US Gallons | UK Gallons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.2642 | 0.2200 |
| 5 | 1.3210 | 1.1000 |
| 10 | 2.6417 | 2.1997 |
| 20 | 5.2834 | 4.3994 |
| 50 | 13.2086 | 10.9985 |
| 100 | 26.4172 | 21.9971 |
Why Convert Liters to Gallons?
- Automotive: Fuel efficiency is measured in miles per gallon in the US but in liters per 100km elsewhere.
- Cooking: International recipes may list liquid quantities in liters or gallons, depending on origin.
- Trade: Shipping liquids internationally requires consistent volume unit conversion.
- Scientific Studies: Data may need to be converted for global understanding.
US Gallon vs UK Gallon: What’s the Difference?
The primary difference lies in the volume size:
- 1 US gallon = 3.78541 L
- 1 UK gallon = 4.54609 L
This discrepancy often causes confusion, especially when dealing with imported products, fuel capacity ratings, or old UK-based documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many gallons is 1 liter?
1 liter equals 0.264172 US gallons or 0.219969 UK gallons.
Can I convert gallons to liters?
Yes. To convert back: US gallons × 3.78541 = liters; UK gallons × 4.54609 = liters.
Why do countries use different gallon sizes?
The UK redefined the gallon under the Imperial system in 1824. The US retained the older Queen Anne wine gallon of 231 cubic inches. Over time, the two diverged.
Which gallon should I use?
Use the US gallon if you're in the United States or dealing with American products. Use the UK gallon for historical British documents or UK product specs. When in doubt, clarify the standard used.
What are other common liquid conversions?
- 1 liter = 1000 milliliters (mL)
- 1 gallon (US) = 128 fluid ounces (US fl oz)
- 1 gallon (UK) = 160 fluid ounces (UK fl oz)
Everyday Examples
- Car fuel tank: A typical sedan may hold 50 L, which is ~13.2 US gallons or ~11 UK gallons.
- Milk jug: A 1-gallon milk jug in the US is about 3.785 liters.
- Water bottle: A 2-liter soda bottle is ~0.528 US gallons.
Tips for International Travelers
- Check your car rental fuel measurements—liters are common outside the US.
- When importing goods, always confirm volume unit standards.
- Use this calculator for quick conversions when shopping abroad.
Conclusion
Liters and gallons are both useful volume units depending on the region and context. This calculator provides an easy way to convert between them accurately and instantly. Whether you're refueling abroad, reading a recipe, or managing inventory, understanding volume conversions can prevent costly errors and improve clarity across systems.