liters to gallons formula
To convert liters to US gallons, multiply the number of liters by 0.264172052358. In symbols: gal = L × 0.264172052358.
One liter equals 0.264172052358 US gallons, and one US gallon equals 3.785411784 liters. A US liquid gallon is defined as exactly 231 cubic inches, which equals exactly 3.785411784 liters.
Worked example
Suppose you have 50 liters and need the answer in US gallons.
- Write the formula: gal = L × 0.264172052358.
- Put in the number: 50 × 0.264172052358 = 13.20860262.
- Round to suit the job. 13.21 gal is accurate enough for most everyday uses.
So 50 L is 13.20860262 gal. To check, convert back: 13.20860262 gal is 50 L.
Common liters to US gallons values
| liters (L) | US gallons (gal) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.2641720524 |
| 2 | 0.5283441047 |
| 5 | 1.320860262 |
| 10 | 2.641720524 |
| 20 | 5.283441047 |
| 50 | 13.20860262 |
| 100 | 26.41720524 |
Reference points
Some familiar amounts in liters, converted to US gallons:
- 1 L, a water bottle: 0.264172 gal
- 3.785 L, one US gallon: 0.999891 gal
- 50 L, a typical car fuel tank: 13.2086 gal
- 200 L, a large aquarium: 52.8344 gal
Where you will use it
Fuel tanks, fish tanks, paint and water bottles are sold in liters outside the US and gallons in the US. Fuel economy comparisons need the conversion.
Quick mental math
Multiply by 0.26, or divide by 4 and add a bit. UK gallons are bigger (4.546 L), so check which one you need. Rule of thumb: multiply by 0.264. For 50 L this gives 13.2 gal against the exact 13.21, an error of under 0.1 percent.
Going the other way
Need the reverse? Use the gallons to liters converter. For comparison, 1 gal is 3.7854118 L. To compare every volume unit at once, open the volume converter.
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