Liter to Gallon (US) Conversion Calculator: Free Online Tool
Convert liters to US gallons with our free online volume converter.
Liter to Gallon (US) Calculator
How to Use the Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Liter).
- 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 Liter to Gallon (US)
Converting Liter to Gallon (US) involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Liter = 0.264172 US gallonsExample Calculation:
Convert 10 liters: 10 × 0.264172 = 2.641721 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 Liter and a Gallon (US)?
The liter (symbol L or l) is a metric unit of volume. It is defined as exactly one cubic decimeter (1 dm³), which is equivalent to 1,000 cubic centimeters (cm³) or 0.001 cubic meters (m³). The liter is commonly used for measuring liquids and sometimes granulated solids.
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 Liter 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 Liter and Gallon (US)
The liter was introduced in France in 1795 as one of the new 'republican measures' and was defined as one cubic decimeter. The original symbol was 'l', but the symbol 'L' was adopted by the General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM) in 1979 to avoid confusion with the number '1'. While not an official SI unit (the SI unit for volume is the cubic meter), it is accepted for use with the SI.
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 liters and US gallons
Explore the typical applications for both Liter (metric) and Gallon (US) (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for liters
- Beverages: Measuring beverages (water bottles, soda, milk cartons).
- Automotive: Engine displacement in vehicles.
- Containers: Volume of backpacks and containers.
- Laboratory: Laboratory measurements for liquids.
- Fuel: Fuel volume at gas stations in most countries.
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 Liter (L)
Is a liter exactly 1 kilogram of water?
Approximately, yes, but not exactly. The original definition of the kilogram was based on the mass of one liter of water at its maximum density (around 4°C). However, the definition of the kilogram has since been refined based on fundamental physical constants. So, 1 liter of water has a mass very close to 1 kg under specific conditions, but it's not the definition.
What is the difference between L and l as symbols for liter?
Both are accepted symbols for the liter. 'L' was officially sanctioned to reduce ambiguity with the numeral '1', especially in print, but 'l' is still commonly used, particularly in scientific contexts where the font makes it distinct.
How does a liter relate to a cubic meter?
1 cubic meter (m³) is equal to 1,000 liters (L). Conversely, 1 liter is equal to 0.001 cubic meters.
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: Liter to Gallon (US)
| Liter (L) | Gallon (US) (gal) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.264 |
| 5 | 1.321 |
| 10 | 2.642 |
| 25 | 6.604 |
| 50 | 13.209 |
| 100 | 26.417 |
| 500 | 132.086 |
| 1,000 | 264.172 |