Liters to Gallons Converter - Convert L to gal Instantly

About Liters to Gallons Conversion

Liters (L) and gallons (gal) both measure liquid volume, but they belong to different systems. The liter is an SI unit widely used on product labels, in laboratories, and in everyday life. The US gallon is common for fuel, beverages, and other packaged liquids in the United States. If you need to translate a metric value (L) into a familiar US measure (gal), this converter gives a fast, precise answer. You can also browse our volume unit converter tools.

The relationship between liters and US gallons is defined exactly: 1 US gallon = 3.785411784 liters. To convert liters to gallons, simply divide by 3.785411784. For the reverse direction, multiply gallons by the same constant. Using the exact definition means your results remain consistent across recipes, fuel logs, aquarium setups, and engineering calculations.

Liters to Gallons Formula

Exact constant

Use the factor method:

gallons (US) = liters ÷ 3.785411784

Example:

10 L = 10 ÷ 3.785411784 = 2.64172 gal (US)

Reverse calculation

Converting the other way: liters = gallons (US) × 3.785411784.

US vs Imperial Gallons

There are two common gallons: US gallon (3.785411784 L) and Imperial/UK gallon (4.54609 L). This page converts to US gallons. If you’re following a UK recipe, reading older Canadian sources, or working in some marine contexts, double-check which gallon is intended to avoid a ~20% error.

Why People Convert L → gal

Everyday & technical uses

⛽ Fuel planning: Compare tank sizes shown in liters with pump readings in gallons.
🍳 Cooking & beverages: Convert packaging and recipe batch sizes across regions.
🐠 Aquariums & pools: Size filters, conditioners, and chemical dosing correctly.
🧪 Lab & industrial: Convert container specs and batch volumes with exact constants.
📦 Logistics: Harmonize documentation when metric and US customary units are mixed.

Common Conversions

Everyday quick checks

1 L = 0.26417 gal (US)
2 L = 0.52834 gal (US)
5 L = 1.32086 gal (US)
10 L = 2.64172 gal (US)
20 L = 5.28344 gal (US)
50 L = 13.20860 gal (US)
100 L = 26.41721 gal (US)

What is a Liter?

A liter is a metric unit of volume. It works cleanly with milliliters (mL) and cubic centimeters (cm³), and appears on beverage labels, medical solutions, and scientific glassware. Because it’s decimal-based, mental math is straightforward.

What is a US Gallon?

A US gallon is a customary unit of volume used for fuel and many liquid products. One US gallon is 3.785411784 liters. Don’t mix it up with the larger Imperial gallon of 4.54609 L.

Step-by-Step: Converting L to gal

Write down your volume in liters.
Divide by 3.785411784.
Label the answer gal (US).

Example walkthrough:

Input:  7.5 L
Divide: 7.5 ÷ 3.785411784 = 1.98129
Output: 1.98129 gal (US)

Precision, Rounding & Significant Figures

Everyday rounding

For everyday use, 5 decimals are plenty. Round to 2–3 decimals if you only need a quick estimate.

Scientific reporting

In technical contexts, match the precision of your instruments or reporting standard. Keep significant figures consistent to avoid rounding bias.

Use Cases of Liters → Gallons

🚗 Fuel economy comparisons and trip planning.
🥤 Beverage manufacturing and distribution across markets.
🏗️ Industrial batching, mixing, and storage calculations.
🏊 Pool chemical dosing and maintenance planning.
🐟 Aquarium setup, filtration sizing, and medication dosing.

Related Volume Converters

Quick Reference Table

Liters (L)	Gallons (US gal)
1	0.26417
2	0.52834
3.78541	1.00000
5	1.32086
10	2.64172
20	5.28344
50	13.20860
100	26.41721

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you convert liters to gallons?

Use the formula: gallons = liters ÷ 3.785411784. One US gallon equals exactly 3.785411784 liters, so divide liters by this value to get gallons.

How many gallons are in 1 liter?

1 liter is approximately 0.264172 gallons (US). For quick estimates, you can use 0.26417.

Is a US gallon the same as an Imperial (UK) gallon?

No. A US gallon is 3.785411784 liters, while an Imperial (UK) gallon is 4.54609 liters. This tool converts liters to US gallons.

How many liters are in a gallon?

One US gallon equals exactly 3.785411784 liters. To convert gallons to liters, multiply gallons by 3.785411784.

How many US fluid ounces are in a liter?

1 liter ≈ 33.814 US fluid ounces. This can help when converting recipes and beverage sizes.

Is 5 liters more than a gallon?

Yes. 5 liters ÷ 3.785411784 ≈ 1.32086 US gallons, so 5 L is more than 1 gallon.

How many gallons is 10 liters of gas?

10 L ÷ 3.785411784 ≈ 2.64172 US gallons. The factor is the same for fuel as for water.

Does temperature change the liters-to-gallons conversion?

For most everyday uses, no—the factor is defined exactly. Very precise industrial work may reference temperature because liquids expand/contract slightly, but the unit definition itself does not change.

What’s the difference between US liquid and US dry gallon?

This converter uses the US liquid gallon (3.785411784 L), common for fuel and beverages. The US dry gallon (≈4.40488377 L) is rarely used and not interchangeable.

Tips for Working with Gallons

Track US vs Imperial gallons—confusing them introduces ~20% error.
For small kitchen measures, convert liters to milliliters or US fl oz for easier mental math.
Include the exact factor (3.785411784) in documentation so results can be reproduced.