Cubic meter to Gallon (US) Conversion Calculator: Free Online Tool
Convert cubic meters to US gallons with our free online volume converter.
Cubic meter to Gallon (US) Calculator
How to Use the Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Cubic meter).
- The converted value in Gallon (US) will appear automatically in the 'To' field.
- Use the dropdown menus to select different units within the Volume category.
- Click the swap button (⇌) to reverse the conversion direction.
How to Convert Cubic meter to Gallon (US)
Converting Cubic meter to Gallon (US) involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Cubic meter = 264.1721 US gallonsExample Calculation:
Convert 10 cubic meters: 10 × 264.1721 = 2641.721 US gallons
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.
What is a Cubic meter and a Gallon (US)?
The cubic meter (symbol m³) is the SI derived unit of volume. It is the volume of a cube with edges one meter in length. It represents a large volume and is often used for measuring capacities of containers, volumes of construction materials, or flow rates.
The US liquid gallon (symbol gal US) is a unit of volume in the United States customary units system. It is legally defined as 231 cubic inches, which is exactly equal to 3.785411784 liters. It is commonly used for measuring larger quantities of liquids, such as gasoline, milk, and paint.
Note: The Cubic meter is part of the metric (SI) system, primarily used globally in science and trade. The Gallon (US) belongs to the imperial/US customary system.
History of the Cubic meter and Gallon (US)
The cubic meter is derived directly from the meter, the SI base unit of length, which has a history dating back to the French Revolution. As the standard unit of volume within the International System of Units (SI), established in 1960, the cubic meter is the foundation upon which other metric volume units (like the liter) are often related or defined (1 m³ = 1000 L).
The gallon has ancient roots, evolving from various Roman and medieval units. The US liquid gallon is based on the wine gallon, which was standardized in England during the reign of Queen Anne in 1707 as 231 cubic inches. This definition was adopted by the United States. It differs from the Imperial gallon used in the UK and Canada.
Common Uses for cubic meters and US gallons
Explore the typical applications for both Cubic meter (metric) and Gallon (US) (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for cubic meters
- Large Containers: Measuring the volume of large containers (shipping containers, swimming pools).
- Construction: Quantifying construction materials (concrete, gravel, soil).
- Architecture: Calculating the volume of rooms or buildings.
- Fluid Dynamics: Measuring water or gas flow rates (cubic meters per second/hour).
- Shipping: Cargo capacity for ships and trucks.
- Science & Engineering: Scientific and engineering calculations requiring SI units.
Common Uses for US gallons
- US Fuel: Measuring fuel (gasoline, diesel) in the United States.
- US Beverages: Selling milk and other beverages in large containers in the US.
- Household Liquids: Measuring paint and other household liquids.
- Pools & Water: Pool capacity and water usage measurements in the US.
- Industry: Some industrial applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Cubic meter (m³)
How large is a cubic meter?
Imagine a cube that is 1 meter tall, 1 meter wide, and 1 meter deep. That volume is one cubic meter. It's equivalent to 1,000 liters or about 264 US gallons.
Is cubic meter the same as meter cubed?
Yes, these terms refer to the same unit, m³. 'Cubic meter' is the more common way to say it.
Why use cubic meters instead of liters?
The cubic meter is the official SI unit for volume, making it standard in many scientific and engineering fields requiring strict adherence to SI. It's also more practical for very large volumes where using liters would result in extremely large numbers.
About Gallon (US) (gal)
Is a US gallon the same as an Imperial gallon?
No. The US gallon (≈ 3.785 L) is smaller than the Imperial gallon (≈ 4.546 L). Always specify which gallon is being used if there's ambiguity.
How many quarts are in a US gallon?
There are exactly 4 US liquid quarts in 1 US liquid gallon.
How many liters are in a US gallon?
1 US liquid gallon is exactly 3.785411784 liters.
Conversion Table: Cubic meter to Gallon (US)
| Cubic meter (m³) | Gallon (US) (gal) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 264.172 |
| 5 | 1,320.86 |
| 10 | 2,641.721 |
| 25 | 6,604.301 |
| 50 | 13,208.603 |
| 100 | 26,417.205 |
| 500 | 132,086.026 |
| 1,000 | 264,172.053 |