Kilometers per Liter to Miles per Gallon (US) Converter

Convert kilometers per liter to miles per US gallon with our free online fuel consumption converter.

Quick Answer

1 Kilometers per Liter = 2.352146 miles per US gallon

Formula: Kilometers per Liter × conversion factor = Miles per Gallon (US)

Use the calculator below for instant, accurate conversions.

Our Accuracy Guarantee

All conversion formulas on UnitsConverter.io have been verified against NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) guidelines and international SI standards. Our calculations are accurate to 10 decimal places for standard conversions and use arbitrary precision arithmetic for astronomical units.

Last verified: December 2025|Reviewed by: Sam Mathew, Software Engineer

From:

To:

How to Use the Kilometers per Liter to Miles per Gallon (US) Calculator:

Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Kilometers per Liter).
The converted value in Miles per Gallon (US) will appear automatically in the 'To' field.
Use the dropdown menus to select different units within the Fuel Consumption category.
Click the swap button (⇌) to reverse the conversion direction.

How to Convert Kilometers per Liter to Miles per Gallon (US): Step-by-Step Guide

Converting Kilometers per Liter to Miles per Gallon (US) involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.

Formula:

Conversion factor not available for this pair.

Example Calculation:

Example calculation not available for Kilometers per Liter to Miles per Gallon (US).

Disclaimer: For Reference Only

These conversion results are provided for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the precision of these results, especially for conversions involving extremely large or small numbers which may be subject to the inherent limitations of standard computer floating-point arithmetic.

Not for professional use. Results should be verified before use in any critical application. View our Terms of Service for more information.

Need to convert to other fuel consumption units?

View all Fuel Consumption conversions →

📊 Fuel Consumption Table

Print-friendly conversion reference

📋 Unit Symbols

Copy km/L & MPG (US) symbols

What is a Kilometers per Liter and a Miles per Gallon (US)?

Kilometers per Liter (symbol: km/L, km/l, or kpl) is a unit of fuel economy expressing the distance in kilometers traveled per liter of fuel consumed.

Formula: $$ \text{Fuel Economy (km/L)} = \frac{\text{Distance Traveled (km)}}{\text{Fuel Used (L)}} $$

Why it is intuitive: For many drivers, fuel is a scarce resource bought in discrete amounts (liters). Knowing "I have 10 liters, so I can go 150 km" (at 15 km/L) is often more useful for trip planning than the European L/100km system, which answers "How much fuel do I need for 100 km?"

The Inverse Relationship: km/L is the reciprocal of L/100km (with a factor of 100).

As km/L goes UP (10 -> 20), L/100km goes DOWN (10 -> 5).
This can be confusing for drivers switching between regions (e.g., driving from Germany to Italy, though both use L/100km officially, rental cars might vary).

Miles per Gallon (US) is a unit of fuel economy that expresses the distance in statute miles that a vehicle can travel using one US liquid gallon of fuel.

Formula: MPG = Miles Driven ÷ Gallons Used

Mathematical relationship:

1 US MPG = 0.425144 kilometers per liter (km/L)
1 US MPG = 1.20095 UK MPG (Imperial gallon)
To convert MPG to L/100km: L/100km = 235.215 ÷ MPG
To convert L/100km to MPG: MPG = 235.215 ÷ L/100km

The US Gallon vs. Imperial Gallon

Critical distinction for international comparisons:

US Gallon (US liquid gallon):

Exactly 231 cubic inches by legal definition
3.785411784 liters (exactly)
128 US fluid ounces
Standard for fuel sales in the United States

Imperial Gallon (UK gallon):

4.54609 liters (exactly)
160 Imperial fluid ounces
About 20% larger than US gallon
Used in United Kingdom, Canada (though Canada increasingly uses liters)

Conversion:

1 US gallon = 0.832674 Imperial gallons
1 Imperial gallon = 1.20095 US gallons

Real-world impact:

A car rated 30 US MPG = 36 UK MPG (same efficiency, different gallon size)
A car rated 50 UK MPG = 41.6 US MPG
Always check which gallon is being referenced when comparing international fuel economy figures

MPG vs. L/100km: Opposite Logic

Two different ways to measure the same thing:

MPG (Miles Per Gallon) — "Fuel Economy":

Measures distance per fuel unit (output/input)
Higher numbers = better efficiency
Logic: "How far can I go on this fuel?"
Used in: United States

L/100km (Liters Per 100 Kilometers) — "Fuel Consumption":

Measures fuel per distance unit (input/output)
Lower numbers = better efficiency
Logic: "How much fuel do I need to go 100 km?"
Used in: Europe, Australia, Canada, most of the world

Conversion relationship is non-linear:

10 MPG = 23.5 L/100km (poor efficiency)
20 MPG = 11.8 L/100km (mediocre)
30 MPG = 7.8 L/100km (good)
40 MPG = 5.9 L/100km (very good)
50 MPG = 4.7 L/100km (excellent/hybrid)

Why L/100km is mathematically superior: It's linear with fuel consumption. Doubling L/100km doubles fuel usage. But doubling MPG does NOT halve fuel usage (see "MPG Illusion" in conversion mistakes).

Note: The Kilometers per Liter is part of the metric (SI) system, primarily used globally in science and trade. The Miles per Gallon (US) belongs to the imperial/US customary system.

History of the Kilometers per Liter and Miles per Gallon (US)

The Metric Shift

As the world moved away from Imperial units (miles, gallons) to Metric units (kilometers, liters) in the mid-20th century, two schools of thought emerged for measuring fuel efficiency:

The European Approach (Consumption): Engineers in Europe preferred measuring the amount of fuel used over a fixed distance. This led to Liters per 100 km (L/100km). This aligns with other engineering efficiency metrics (input per output).
The Asian/Latin American Approach (Economy): Drivers in Japan, India, and South America preferred maintaining the "distance per unit" logic of MPG, simply swapping the units. This led to Kilometers per Liter (km/L).

Japan's Influence

Japan, as a dense island nation with high fuel costs, has always prioritized efficiency. The Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) adopted km/L (often written as 10-15 mode or JC08 mode in tests). Because Japanese cars are exported globally, the km/L display became standard in many markets.

India's Preference

In India, the colloquial term is "average" or "mileage." When an Indian driver asks "Kitna deti hai?" (How much does it give?), the answer is always in km/L. With India being one of the world's largest auto markets, km/L remains a dominant global unit.

The Gas Guzzler Era (1950s-1973)

When efficiency didn't matter:

Post-WWII American automotive culture:

Cheap gasoline: 30-36 cents per gallon (equivalent to ~$2-3 in 2024 dollars)
Big engines: V8 engines standard in full-size sedans, muscle cars with 400+ cubic inch displacement
Low efficiency: Typical family sedan: 8-12 MPG, luxury cars/sports cars: 6-10 MPG
No pressure to improve: Fuel economy rarely advertised, not a selling point

Typical fuel economy (early 1970s):

1971 Cadillac Eldorado: 8 MPG city, 11 MPG highway
1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429: 6-8 MPG
1972 Chevrolet Impala: 10 MPG city, 14 MPG highway
Compact cars (Volkswagen Beetle, Toyota Corolla): 25-30 MPG (considered "economy" cars, not mainstream)

1973 Oil Crisis: The Catalyst

When everything changed overnight:

October 1973: OPEC oil embargo:

Background: Arab oil-producing nations embargoed oil exports to the US over support for Israel in Yom Kippur War
Immediate impact: Gas prices quadrupled from ~38 cents to $1.50+ per gallon
Supply shortages: Long lines at gas stations, odd-even day rationing by license plate
Public panic: Americans suddenly concerned about fuel efficiency for the first time

Economic impact:

$50 fill-up shock: What cost $5 to fill now cost $20-25
Recession: High energy prices contributed to 1973-1975 recession
Demand shift: Consumers suddenly wanted smaller, more efficient cars—but American automakers had none ready

Import invasion:

Japanese manufacturers (Toyota, Honda, Datsun) gained massive market share with fuel-efficient compacts
Volkswagen Beetle sales surged
American "Big Three" (GM, Ford, Chrysler) caught flat-footed with only gas guzzlers in production

1975: Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) Standards

Government mandates efficiency:

Energy Policy and Conservation Act (1975):

Passed by Congress to reduce US petroleum dependence
Created CAFE standards requiring automakers to meet fleet-wide average MPG targets
Separate standards for passenger cars and light trucks

CAFE targets evolution:

1978 (first year): 18.0 MPG passenger cars
1985: 27.5 MPG passenger cars (53% increase!)
1990-2010: Standards largely stagnant at 27.5 MPG (lobbying pressure)
2011-2025: Rapid increases toward 50+ MPG equivalent (under Obama administration)
2025 target: ~50 MPG equivalent fleet average (includes credits for EVs)

How CAFE works:

Automakers must achieve fleet-wide average (not every individual vehicle)
Selling one 50 MPG hybrid allows selling one 25 MPG SUV to maintain 37.5 MPG average
Gas Guzzler Tax (1978): $1,000-$7,700 penalty for cars under 22.5 MPG combined
Light trucks (SUVs, pickups) have lower standards, creating "SUV loophole"

Impact:

American automotive revolution: Forced development of fuel injection, overdrive transmissions, aerodynamics, weight reduction
Average new car MPG doubled from 13-14 MPG (1975) to 27+ MPG (1985)
Controversial: Automakers claimed standards were impossible, but achieved them

1978: EPA Fuel Economy Testing

Standardizing MPG measurements:

EPA Federal Test Procedure (FTP):

Created standardized lab tests to ensure comparable ratings across all vehicles
Original tests (1978-2007): Only City and Highway cycles
2008 revision: Added high-speed, air conditioning, and cold-temperature tests for real-world accuracy

Three standard ratings:

City MPG: EPA FTP-75 urban driving cycle (stop-and-go, avg 21 mph, 11 miles, 31 minutes)
Highway MPG: EPA Highway Fuel Economy Test (steady speeds 48-60 mph, 10 miles, 12.5 minutes)
Combined MPG: Weighted average (55% city, 45% highway)

Why 2008 revision was needed:

Pre-2008 EPA ratings often 15-30% higher than real-world experience
Didn't account for A/C use, aggressive acceleration, high speeds (70+ mph)
Post-2008 ratings reduced by ~10-20% across the board for accuracy

The Monroney Sticker (1975-Present)

Making MPG visible to consumers:

Automobile Information Disclosure Act:

Mandated fuel economy label on every new car window sticker
Named after Senator Mike Monroney (Oklahoma)

Modern EPA sticker includes:

City/Highway/Combined MPG in large numbers
Estimated annual fuel cost ($1,750, $2,100, etc.)
Fuel cost savings/penalty vs. average new car (+$500 or -$1,200)
Fuel consumption bar graph (gallons per 100 miles)
10-year fuel cost estimate
Comparison to vehicles in same class

Psychological impact: MPG became a primary car-buying criterion alongside price, safety, reliability.

Modern Era (2010s-Present)

Evolution beyond traditional MPG:

2011: MPGe (Miles Per Gallon equivalent) for EVs:

Electric vehicles don't use gallons, so EPA created MPGe
Definition: Distance traveled on electrical energy equivalent to 1 gallon of gasoline (33.7 kWh)
Example: Tesla Model 3 rated 130 MPGe (travels 130 miles on 33.7 kWh of electricity)

Hybrid proliferation:

2000-2010: Toyota Prius establishes hybrid as viable (45-50 MPG)
2010s: Every major automaker offers hybrid options
Modern hybrids: Routine 50-60 MPG combined ratings

Turbocharged downsizing:

Smaller engines (1.5L-2.0L turbo) replace larger V6s/V8s
Maintain power but improve efficiency (25-30 MPG in midsize sedans vs. 18-22 MPG previously)

Consumer dashboard displays:

Real-time instantaneous MPG gauges standard on most vehicles
Trip computer tracks average MPG over tank/trip
Some show "driving score" encouraging efficient habits

Common Uses and Applications: kilometers per liter vs miles per US gallon

Explore the typical applications for both Kilometers per Liter (metric) and Miles per Gallon (US) (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.

Common Uses for kilometers per liter

Regional Adoption

Asia: Japan, India, South Korea (mixed with km/L and L/100km), Philippines, Indonesia.
Latin America: Brazil (km/L is standard), Mexico (mixed).
Middle East: Increasingly used as countries metricate, though MPG remains in some areas due to US/UK influence.
Africa: Common in countries with Japanese/Indian car imports.

Marketing

Car advertisements in these regions highlight high km/L numbers.

"New Alto: Now delivers 22.05 kmpl!"
This is a key selling point in price-sensitive markets.

Digital Dashboards

Modern cars allow drivers to toggle units.

A driver in Canada might switch their US-import car from MPG to L/100km.
A driver in Brazil will set it to km/L.

When to Use miles per US gallon

EPA Fuel Economy Ratings

Every car sold in the US has three official MPG ratings:

1. City MPG:

Test: EPA Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule (UDDS/FTP-75)
Simulates: Stop-and-go urban traffic
Parameters: 11.04 miles, 31.2 minutes, average 21.2 mph, max 56.7 mph
23 stops, frequent acceleration/deceleration
Typically lowest MPG (except hybrids with regenerative braking)

2. Highway MPG:

Test: EPA Highway Fuel Economy Test (HWFET)
Simulates: Free-flowing highway cruising
Parameters: 10.26 miles, 12.75 minutes, average 48.3 mph, max 60 mph
No stops, steady speeds
Typically highest MPG (less braking, consistent engine load)

3. Combined MPG:

Weighted average: 55% city, 45% highway
Most representative of mixed driving
Used for CAFE compliance

Additional tests (added 2008):

High Speed Test: 80 mph bursts, aggressive acceleration
Air Conditioning Test: 95°F ambient, A/C at max
Cold Temperature Test: 20°F ambient, cold engine start

Consumer Car Shopping

MPG as a primary buying criterion:

Typical consumer priorities (2024):

Price (54% top factor)
Fuel economy (48% top factor)
Safety (47%)
Reliability (45%)
Comfort/features (38%)

Price sensitivity:

$4+ per gallon: Fuel economy becomes #1 priority for most buyers
$2-3 per gallon: Balanced consideration
Under $2 per gallon: Fuel economy deprioritized (shift to SUVs/trucks)

Search behavior:

78% of car buyers research fuel economy before dealership visit
Online tools: EPA fueleconomy.gov, manufacturer comparison tools
Dealers emphasize monthly fuel savings in pitch ("Save $100/month vs. your current vehicle")

Environmental Impact and CO2 Emissions

MPG directly correlates to greenhouse gas emissions:

Chemistry of gasoline combustion:

Burning 1 gallon of gasoline produces 19.6 pounds (8.9 kg) of CO2
Each gallon also produces ~2 pounds of water vapor + trace emissions

Emissions by MPG rating (15,000 miles/year):

15 MPG vehicle: 1,000 gallons = 19,600 lbs CO2 = 9.8 tons CO2/year
30 MPG vehicle: 500 gallons = 9,800 lbs CO2 = 4.9 tons CO2/year
50 MPG hybrid: 300 gallons = 5,880 lbs CO2 = 2.9 tons CO2/year

Context:

Average American: ~16 tons CO2/year total (all sources)
Transportation sector: ~29% of US greenhouse gas emissions
Personal vehicles: ~60% of transportation emissions

Improving from 20 MPG to 40 MPG:

Reduces CO2 by 50% (7,350 lbs/year reduction for 15,000 miles)
Equivalent to: Planting ~340 tree seedlings (10-year growth)

Fuel Budget Planning

Monthly and annual fuel cost estimation:

Online calculators:

EPA fueleconomy.gov: Personalized cost calculator (enter annual miles, local gas price, vehicle)
Manufacturer websites: Fuel cost comparison tools
GasBuddy: Local price tracking + MPG cost estimator

Employer reimbursement:

IRS standard mileage rate (2024): 67 cents/mile (includes fuel + maintenance + depreciation)
Fuel-only cost: Varies by MPG and gas price (20 MPG at $3.50/gal = 17.5 cents/mile for fuel alone)

Fleet management:

Commercial fleets prioritize high-MPG vehicles to reduce operating costs
Delivery companies (UPS, FedEx, Amazon) invest heavily in efficient vehicles/route optimization
Example: 100-vehicle fleet @ 20,000 miles/year each, upgrading from 15 MPG to 20 MPG saves $233,333/year (at $3.50/gal)

"Gas Guzzler Tax" Avoidance

Federal penalty for low-efficiency cars:

Energy Tax Act of 1978:

Excise tax on new cars below 22.5 MPG combined (unadjusted EPA rating)
Does NOT apply to trucks, SUVs, minivans (10,000+ GVWR exempt)
Penalty ranges from $1,000 to $7,700 based on severity

2024 Gas Guzzler Tax rates:

22.5 MPG: $0
21.5-22.4 MPG: $1,000
20.5-21.4 MPG: $1,300
19.5-20.4 MPG: $1,700
18.5-19.4 MPG: $2,100
17.5-18.4 MPG: $2,600
16.5-17.4 MPG: $3,000
15.5-16.4 MPG: $3,700
14.5-15.4 MPG: $4,500
13.5-14.4 MPG: $5,400
12.5-13.4 MPG: $6,400
Under 12.5 MPG: $7,700

Affected vehicles:

High-performance sports cars (Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, Lamborghini, Ferrari)
Luxury sedans with large engines (some BMW M, Mercedes AMG models)
Not affected: SUVs and trucks (even if they get worse MPG) due to "light truck" exemption

Additional Unit Information

About Miles per Gallon (US) (MPG (US))

What is a "good" MPG?

2024 standards for "good" fuel economy:

Under 20 MPG: Poor efficiency (large trucks, SUVs, sports cars, older vehicles)
20-25 MPG: Below average (many SUVs, some trucks, V6/V8 sedans)
25-30 MPG: Average for new vehicles (typical midsize sedan, efficient SUV)
30-40 MPG: Good/above average (compact cars, efficient sedans, diesel vehicles)
40-50 MPG: Excellent (hybrids, most efficient gas cars)
50+ MPG: Outstanding (dedicated hybrids like Prius, Ioniq)

Context matters: A 20 MPG pickup truck might be excellent for trucks, but poor for a sedan.

How do I calculate my real MPG?

The most accurate method (hand calculation at fuel pump):

Fill tank completely: Pump until automatic shutoff clicks
Reset trip odometer to zero
Drive normally until tank is 1/4 to 1/8 full (more miles = more accurate)
Fill tank again completely until automatic shutoff clicks
Record: Gallons added (from pump display), miles driven (from trip odometer)
Calculate: Miles driven ÷ Gallons used = MPG

Example:

Trip odometer: 347 miles
Fuel pump: 12.4 gallons
MPG = 347 ÷ 12.4 = 28.0 MPG

Accuracy tips:

Use the same gas station/pump if possible (different pump angles affect "full")
Multiple fill-ups averaged together more accurate than single calculation
Don't rely solely on dashboard MPG display (often 3-10% optimistic)

Does driving faster lower MPG?

Yes, significantly. Speed kills efficiency.

Why:

Aerodynamic drag increases with the square of speed: Doubling speed = 4× drag force
At highway speeds, 50-70% of engine power fights air resistance
Faster speeds also reduce engine efficiency (RPM-dependent)

Real-world impact:

55 mph: Optimal efficiency for most vehicles (baseline)
65 mph: ~10-15% worse MPG than 55 mph
75 mph: ~20-25% worse MPG than 55 mph
85 mph: ~30-35% worse MPG than 55 mph

Example (2020 Honda Accord):

60 mph: 42 MPG
70 mph: 36 MPG (14% reduction)
80 mph: 31 MPG (26% reduction)

Sweet spot: Most vehicles achieve maximum MPG between 45-60 mph (typically 55 mph peak).

What is MPGe?

MPGe = Miles Per Gallon equivalent (for electric vehicles)

The problem: EVs don't use gallons of gasoline, so traditional MPG doesn't apply.

EPA solution: Convert electricity consumption to gasoline-equivalent energy:

Definition: Distance traveled using electrical energy equivalent to 1 gallon of gasoline
Energy equivalency: 33.7 kWh of electricity = energy in 1 gallon of gasoline

Calculation:

EV uses 30 kWh to travel 100 miles
100 miles ÷ (30 kWh ÷ 33.7 kWh/gal) = 112 MPGe

Examples:

Tesla Model 3: ~130 MPGe combined
Chevrolet Bolt EV: ~120 MPGe combined
Ford F-150 Lightning: ~70 MPGe combined (heavier truck)

What it means: An EV rated 120 MPGe is "equivalent" to a gas car getting 120 MPG in terms of energy efficiency.

Cost comparison: Electricity typically cheaper than gasoline per mile (even with 3-4× "efficiency")

Why is City MPG usually lower than Highway MPG?

City driving is inherently less efficient due to constant acceleration and braking:

Energy loss mechanisms:

Frequent acceleration from stops: Takes significant energy to overcome inertia
Braking wastes energy: Kinetic energy converted to heat (wasted) every stop
Idling at red lights: 0 MPG while stopped (engine running, no miles)
Lower average speeds: Engine operates less efficiently at low RPM/load
More accessories: A/C, lights, electrical draw impacts efficiency more at low speeds

Highway advantages:

Steady speed: Minimal acceleration/braking, constant engine load
Optimal RPM: Modern cars efficient at ~1,500-2,500 RPM (typical 60-70 mph cruising)
Momentum maintenance: No energy wasted on stops
Overdrive gear: Engine RPM minimized for cruising

Exception — Hybrids: Often better City MPG than Highway because:

Regenerative braking recaptures energy normally wasted
Electric-only operation at low speeds (engine off)
Engine shuts off at stops (zero fuel consumption idling)
Example: 2024 Toyota Prius: 57 city / 56 highway / 56 combined (city slightly better!)

How much does AC use affect MPG?

Air conditioning can reduce MPG by 5-25% depending on conditions.

Impact factors:

Outside temperature: Hotter = more A/C work = more fuel penalty
Driving type: City (stop-and-go) affected more than highway
A/C setting: Max cold + high fan uses most, eco mode uses less
Vehicle size: Small engines feel bigger percentage impact

Real-world examples:

95°F+ day, city driving, max A/C: 20-25% MPG reduction
85°F day, highway cruising, moderate A/C: 5-10% MPG reduction
Mild day, eco A/C mode: 3-5% MPG reduction

Windows down vs. A/C:

City driving (<40 mph): Windows down saves fuel
Highway (>50 mph): A/C more efficient than windows down (aerodynamic drag penalty exceeds A/C consumption)

Heat in winter: Uses waste engine heat, minimal fuel penalty (~1-2% from increased electrical load for blower fan only).

Do diesel vehicles get better MPG than gasoline?

Yes, diesel engines are 20-40% more fuel efficient than comparable gasoline engines.

Why diesels are efficient:

Higher compression ratio: 16:1-20:1 (diesel) vs. 10:1-12:1 (gas) = more energy extracted
Higher energy density: Diesel fuel contains ~10-15% more energy per gallon
Lean combustion: Excess air (no throttle) reduces pumping losses
Lower RPM operation: Diesel torque curve allows cruising at 1,500-2,000 RPM

Typical MPG advantage:

Gasoline midsize sedan: 30 MPG combined
Diesel midsize sedan: 40 MPG combined (33% better)
Gasoline pickup truck: 20 MPG combined
Diesel pickup truck: 26 MPG combined (30% better)

Examples:

Chevrolet Silverado 3.0L diesel: 26 MPG combined vs. 20 MPG (5.3L gas)
BMW 328d (diesel, discontinued): 37 MPG vs. 28 MPG (328i gas)
Volkswagen Jetta TDI: 39 MPG vs. 33 MPG (1.4T gas)

Tradeoffs:

Higher purchase price: $2,000-$5,000 diesel premium
More expensive fuel: $0.30-$0.50/gal more than regular gas (varies)
Emissions systems complexity: DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) maintenance

What is the most fuel-efficient gas-only car?

2024 most efficient non-hybrid gas vehicles (US market):

Mitsubishi Mirage: 39 MPG combined (36 city/43 highway)
Nissan Versa: 35 MPG combined (32 city/40 highway)
Hyundai Elantra (base 2.0L): 37 MPG combined (33 city/43 highway)
Honda Civic (base): 36 MPG combined (33 city/42 highway)
Toyota Corolla: 35 MPG combined (32 city/41 highway)

Historical context: Modern efficient gas cars (35-40 MPG) approach 1990s Honda Civic CRX HF (50 MPG), but with more safety, emissions control, and features.

If hybrids included: Toyota Prius (57 MPG) and Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid (59 MPG) are most efficient non-plug-in vehicles.

Does premium gas improve MPG?

It depends on the vehicle:

Vehicles REQUIRING premium (91-93 octane):

Using regular (87 octane) causes ECU to retard timing
Result: 3-8% MPG reduction + slight power loss
Examples: Most luxury/performance cars (BMW M, Mercedes AMG, Porsche, Nissan GT-R)

Vehicles RECOMMENDING premium (but regular okay):

Optimized for premium but can adapt to regular
Result: 0-5% MPG reduction on regular
Examples: Mazda3 Turbo, Honda Accord 2.0T, some Ford EcoBoost engines

Vehicles designed for regular (87 octane):

No benefit from premium (engine not designed to take advantage)
Result: 0% MPG improvement, wasted money
Examples: Most mainstream cars (Toyota Camry 4-cyl, Honda Civic, Mazda CX-5 base)

Economic analysis: Premium costs ~$0.40-$0.60 more per gallon. A 3% MPG improvement rarely offsets the price premium.

Conversion Table: Kilometers per Liter to Miles per Gallon (US)

Kilometers per Liter (km/L)	Miles per Gallon (US) (MPG (US))
0.5	1.176
1	2.352
1.5	3.528
2	4.704
5	11.761
10	23.522
25	58.804
50	117.607
100	235.215
250	588.037
500	1,176.073
1,000	2,352.146

How do I convert Kilometers per Liter to Miles per Gallon (US)?

To convert Kilometers per Liter to Miles per Gallon (US), enter the value in Kilometers per Liter in the calculator above. The conversion will happen automatically. Use our free online converter for instant and accurate results. You can also visit our fuel consumption converter page to convert between other units in this category.

Learn more →

What is the conversion factor from Kilometers per Liter to Miles per Gallon (US)?

The conversion factor depends on the specific relationship between Kilometers per Liter and Miles per Gallon (US). You can find the exact conversion formula and factor on this page. Our calculator handles all calculations automatically. See the conversion table above for common values.

Can I convert Miles per Gallon (US) back to Kilometers per Liter?

Yes! You can easily convert Miles per Gallon (US) back to Kilometers per Liter by using the swap button (⇌) in the calculator above, or by visiting our Miles per Gallon (US) to Kilometers per Liter converter page. You can also explore other fuel consumption conversions on our category page.

Learn more →

What are common uses for Kilometers per Liter and Miles per Gallon (US)?

Kilometers per Liter and Miles per Gallon (US) are both standard units used in fuel consumption measurements. They are commonly used in various applications including engineering, construction, cooking, and scientific research. Browse our fuel consumption converter for more conversion options.

For more fuel consumption conversion questions, visit our FAQ page or explore our conversion guides.

Helpful Conversion Guides

Learn more about unit conversion with our comprehensive guides:

All Fuel Consumption Conversions

Fuel Consumption Converter

Convert between all fuel consumption units: