Gallons to Liters Converter (gal to L)

Easily convert gallons (gal) to liters (L) and vice-versa. The most important step is to know which type of gallon you are converting: the **US liquid gallon** or the **UK (Imperial) gallon**. Select the correct unit below to get an instant, accurate conversion.

Understanding the Difference: US vs. UK Gallons

Before converting, it is essential to know which "gallon" you are using. The US gallon and the UK (Imperial) gallon are not the same size.

• The **US liquid gallon** is used primarily in the United States and is legally defined as 231 cubic inches.
• The **UK (Imperial) gallon** is used in the United Kingdom, Canada, and some Caribbean countries. It was historically defined as the volume of 10 pounds of water at 62°F.

The UK Imperial gallon is approximately 20% larger than the US gallon.

Gallons to Liters Conversion Formulas

The conversion rates are exact and based on international standards:

To convert from gallons to liters, you multiply the number of gallons by the appropriate conversion factor. To convert from liters to gallons, you divide.

How to Convert Gallons to Liters (Step-by-Step)

1. Identify your gallon type: Are you using US or UK gallons? This is the most critical step.
2. Select the correct formula:
   • For US: $Liters = \text{US Gallons} \times 3.78541$
   • For UK: $Liters = \text{UK Gallons} \times 4.54609$
3. Calculate the result: Multiply your gallon value by the factor.

Example: Converting 5 Gallons to Liters

• US Gallons: $5 \text{ US gal} \times 3.78541 = 18.92705 \text{ Liters}$
• UK Gallons: $5 \text{ UK gal} \times 4.54609 = 22.73045 \text{ Liters}$

As you can see, the 5-gallon US container holds significantly less liquid than the 5-gallon UK container.

Common Gallon to Liter Conversions (US Liquid)

Here is a quick reference table for standard US gallons to liters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)