Relationship Between Liters and Gallons

The conversion between liters and gallons depends on which gallon system is used. This converter uses the US gallon (liquid gallon), which is the most commonly used standard.

1 L = 0.264172 US gallons

Therefore,

1 US gallon = 3.78541 L

To convert liters to US gallons, we multiply the value in liters by 0.264172.

For example, 1 liter equals approximately 0.264 gallons, 5 liters equal approximately 1.321 gallons, and 10 liters equal approximately 2.642 gallons.

Note: The imperial gallon (used in the UK) is different: 1 imperial gallon = 4.54609 liters.

Liter (L)

What is a Liter (L)?

A liter (or litre in British English, symbol: L or l) is the base unit of volume in the metric system. It is defined as equal to one cubic decimeter (1 L = 1 dm³ = 1000 cm³). The liter is widely used worldwide for measuring liquids and is the standard unit of volume in most countries.

History and Origin of the Liter

The liter was introduced in France in 1795 as part of the metric system. Its name comes from the French 'litron', an old unit of volume. Originally, the liter was defined as the volume of one kilogram of pure water at 4°C and standard atmospheric pressure. In 1964, the definition was changed to exactly one cubic decimeter to align it more precisely with the metric system's base units.

Modern Applications of Liters

• Beverages: Bottle sizes for water, soft drinks, milk, juice (0.5 L, 1 L, 2 L bottles)
• Automotive: Engine displacement, fuel capacity, oil volume
• Cooking: Recipe measurements for large quantities
• Agriculture: Irrigation water, liquid fertilizers, pesticides
• Industrial: Chemical processing, manufacturing liquids
• Swimming Pools: Pool volume and water treatment
• Fuel Consumption: Car efficiency measured in liters per 100 km
• Medical: IV fluid bags, large volume measurements

Liter in Different Countries

The liter is universally recognized and used in most countries around the world:

European Union: Standard unit for all liquid measurements
Commonwealth Countries: 'Litre' spelling is preferred
United States: 'Liter' spelling; used alongside gallons
Asia and Africa: Primary unit for liquid volumes

The liter's worldwide adoption makes it one of the most important volume units in international trade and science.

Gallon (gal)

What is a Gallon (gal)?

A gallon is a unit of volume measurement used primarily in the United States and some other countries. The US gallon (liquid gallon) equals approximately 3.785 liters. It is commonly used to measure larger volumes of liquids, especially fuel, milk, and other beverages. There is also an imperial gallon (used in the UK), which equals approximately 4.546 liters.

History and Origin of the Gallon

The gallon has a long and complex history dating back to medieval England. The word 'gallon' comes from the Old Northern French 'galon'. Various gallon measurements existed throughout history, causing confusion in trade and commerce. In 1824, the British Imperial gallon was standardized. The US gallon, defined in 1832, is smaller and based on the old wine gallon. Today, the US liquid gallon is defined as exactly 231 cubic inches (3.785411784 liters).

Modern Applications of Gallons

• Fuel and Gas: Gasoline, diesel fuel at service stations (primary use in the US)
• Beverages: Milk, juice, water sold in gallon containers
• Automotive: Fuel efficiency measured in miles per gallon (MPG)
• Paint and Chemicals: Paint, cleaning solutions, industrial chemicals
• Agriculture: Pesticides, herbicides, liquid fertilizers
• Aquariums: Tank capacity and water volume
• Residential: Water heater capacity, well water output
• Swimming Pools: Pool volume (particularly in the US)

US Gallon vs Imperial Gallon

There are two main gallon systems in use:

US Gallon (Liquid):
- Equals 3.785411784 liters
- Used in the United States
- Based on 231 cubic inches
- Smaller than the imperial gallon

Imperial Gallon:
- Equals 4.54609 liters
- Used in the United Kingdom and some Commonwealth countries
- Based on 10 pounds of water
- About 20% larger than the US gallon

This converter uses the US gallon, which is more commonly used worldwide.

Liter to Gallon Conversion Table

The conversion of liters to US gallons for certain values are provided below: