US Gallons to Liters Converter
Convert us gallons (gal) to liters (L) using documented conversion factors. Includes interactive calculations, conversion formula, worked steps, and common reference tables.
Live Interactive Calculator
liter = us gallon × 3.785412Conversion Formula
To convert from us gallons to liters, apply the mathematical formula:
Where gal represents us gallons and L represents liters.
Conversion Factor
The base relationship defined under primary measurement standards:
Reference: NIST Handbook 44 / US Code Title 15
Volume Measurement & Regional Capacity Standards
Volume measures three-dimensional capacity. In the International System of Units (SI), volume is derived from cubic meters (m³), with the liter (L) defined as 1 cubic decimeter (0.001 m³).
Be careful when converting liquid units between US and British measurements:
- 1 US Gallon is legally defined as 231 cubic inches, equal to 3.785411784 liters.
- 1 Imperial Gallon is defined as exactly 4.54609 liters (roughly 20% larger than a US gallon).
- US Fluid Ounce (29.57 mL) is slightly larger than a British Imperial Fluid Ounce (28.41 mL), but 1 US pint has 16 fl oz while 1 UK pint has 20 imperial fl oz.
Unit-Scale clearly labels regional variants so you never confuse US Customary liquid measures with British Imperial measures.
How to Convert US Gallons to Liters
Converting measurements between us gallons and liters follows a structured calculation process:
- Identify the quantity in us gallons (gal) that you wish to convert.
- Multiply the input by the conversion factor ratio
1 gal = 3785412 L.. - The resulting value is the equivalent amount expressed in liters (L).
Common US Gallons to Liters Reference Table
Frequently referenced values calculated using documented measurement conversion factors.
| US Gallon (gal) | Liter (L) | Arithmetic Expression |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 gal | 1.892706 L | 0.5 × 3.785412 |
| 1 gal | 3.785412 L | 1 × 3.785412 |
| 2 gal | 7.570824 L | 2 × 3.785412 |
| 5 gal | 18.927059 L | 5 × 3.785412 |
| 10 gal | 37.854118 L | 10 × 3.785412 |
| 12 gal | 45.424941 L | 12 × 3.785412 |
| 15 gal | 56.781177 L | 15 × 3.785412 |
| 16 gal | 60.566589 L | 16 × 3.785412 |
| 20 gal | 75.708236 L | 20 × 3.785412 |
| 50 gal | 189.270589 L | 50 × 3.785412 |
| 100 gal | 378.541178 L | 100 × 3.785412 |
Worked Calculation Examples
Practical step-by-step calculations showing how to convert us gallons to liters with exact mathematical equations.
Application context: 1 US gallon is defined as 3.785411784 liters
Application context: 5-gallon bucket widely used in painting and masonry (18.93 L)
Application context: Compact sedan fuel fill-up (56.78 L)
About the Units
Authoritative technical specifications and historical definitions for both units.
US Gallon (gal)
The US liquid gallon is defined legally as exactly 231 cubic inches, which equals 3.785411784 liters. Note: It is smaller than the Imperial gallon (4.546 L).
Liter (L)
A metric unit of volume equal to 1 cubic decimeter (0.001 cubic meters or 1,000 cubic centimeters). Recognized internationally for liquid capacity.
Need to convert Liters back to US Gallons?
Reverse Formula: us gallon = liter × 0.264172
Related Volume & Capacity Converters
Contextual conversions related to this pair within the measurement graph.