Liter to Gallon (US) Converter
Effortlessly convert liquid volume between liters and US gallons with our precise and easy-to-use tool.
Enter a value to see the conversion.
Understanding the Units
Liter (L)
The **liter** is a globally accepted unit of volume in the metric system. One liter is precisely equal to **1 cubic decimeter ($dm^3$)** or **1,000 cubic centimeters ($cm^3$)**. It is the standard unit for measuring liquids like water and gasoline in most countries around the world.
Gallon (US gal)
The **US gallon** is a unit of volume primarily used in the United States. It's defined as **231 cubic inches**, which is equivalent to **3.78541 liters**. The US gallon is different from the Imperial gallon used in the UK and Canada, which is about 4.546 liters.
Conversion Formulas
To convert **liters to US gallons**, use this simple formula:
US Gallons = Liters × 0.264172
To convert **US gallons to liters**, use this formula:
Liters = US Gallons × 3.78541
---Quick Conversion Table
| Liters (L) | Gallons (US gal) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.264172 |
| 5 | 1.32086 |
| 10 | 2.64172 |
| 20 | 5.28344 |
| 50 | 13.2086 |
| 100 | 26.4172 |
| 500 | 132.086 |
| 1000 | 264.172 |
| 5000 | 1320.86 |
| 10000 | 2641.72 |
Practical Conversion Examples
Here are 10 real-world examples to show how to use the converter.
Example 1: A Large Bottle of Water
A standard large bottle of water contains **1.5 liters**.
Conversion: $1.5 \text{ L} \times 0.264172 = \bf{0.396 \text{ gal}}$
Example 2: A Container of Milk
You have a milk carton with **2 liters** of milk.
Conversion: $2 \text{ L} \times 0.264172 = \bf{0.528 \text{ gal}}$
Example 3: Filling a Car's Gas Tank
You fill your car with **50 liters** of gas.
Conversion: $50 \text{ L} \times 0.264172 = \bf{13.21 \text{ gal}}$
Example 4: An Aquarium's Capacity
An aquarium holds **150 liters** of water.
Conversion: $150 \text{ L} \times 0.264172 = \bf{39.63 \text{ gal}}$
Example 5: A Swimming Pool
A small above-ground pool holds **3000 liters** of water.
Conversion: $3000 \text{ L} \times 0.264172 = \bf{792.52 \text{ gal}}$
Example 6: Juice Container
A juice container holds **3.785 liters**, which is exactly 1 US gallon.
Conversion: $3.785 \text{ L} \times 0.264172 = \bf{1 \text{ gal}}$
Example 7: A Bucket of Water
A bucket contains **12 liters** of water.
Conversion: $12 \text{ L} \times 0.264172 = \bf{3.17 \text{ gal}}$
Example 8: A Small Gas Can
A portable gas can holds **20 liters** of fuel.
Conversion: $20 \text{ L} \times 0.264172 = \bf{5.28 \text{ gal}}$
Example 9: A Car's Oil Capacity
The oil capacity of a car engine is **6 liters**.
Conversion: $6 \text{ L} \times 0.264172 = \bf{1.58 \text{ gal}}$
Example 10: A Paint Can
A large paint can contains **15 liters** of paint.
Conversion: $15 \text{ L} \times 0.264172 = \bf{3.96 \text{ gal}}$
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between a US gallon and an Imperial gallon?
A **US gallon** is equal to **3.785 liters**, while an **Imperial gallon** (used in the UK and Canada) is equal to **4.546 liters**. This calculator is specifically for the US gallon.
2. How is the conversion factor determined?
The conversion factor is based on the official definition. One US gallon is legally defined as 231 cubic inches, and since one liter is equal to 61.024 cubic inches, the ratio is a fixed, precise value.
3. Can I use this calculator for other liquids?
Yes, this calculator is based on volume and can be used for any liquid or non-liquid substance. The conversion is based on the space it occupies, not its weight or density.
4. What's the best way to remember the conversion?
A simple way to remember is that **one US gallon is a little less than 4 liters**. For a more precise estimate, you can think of it as roughly 3.8 liters.
5. Does this calculator work for liters to Imperial gallons?
No, this tool is specifically for converting to and from the US gallon. For Imperial gallons, you would need a different conversion factor (1 L ≈ 0.21997 Imperial gallons).
