Gal to L Conversion Calculator
Click on the following link if you want to convert liters to gallons – L to gal
History
The gallon has been in use since medieval times, originally as a unit for wine and ale in England.
Over the centuries, the definition of a gallon changed several times until two main versions remained:
- U.S. gallon = 3.785 liters
- Imperial gallon = 4.546 liters
The liter (L) became the global standard unit for measuring liquids after the metric system was introduced. Today, the U.S. and U.K. still use gallons for some applications, while most countries have switched to liters.
Common Usage
- Gallons (gal) are used in the U.S. and U.K. for fuel, milk, and bulk liquids.
- Liters (L) are used globally for all types of liquids, from beverages to car engines.
For example, a 10-gallon aquarium in the U.S. holds about 38 liters of water.
Gallons to Liters Conversion Formula
Use the appropriate formula depending on the gallon type:
Liters = U.S. gallons × 3.785
Liters = Imperial gallons × 4.546
Example:
Convert 5 U.S. gallons and 5 Imperial gallons to liters.
U.S.: 5 × 3.785 = 18.93 L
Imperial: 5 × 4.546 = 22.73 L
Conversion Table
| Gallons (gal) | Liters (L, U.S.) | Liters (L, Imperial) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 gal | 3.785 L | 4.546 L |
| 2 gal | 7.570 L | 9.092 L |
| 3 gal | 11.355 L | 13.638 L |
| 5 gal | 18.925 L | 22.730 L |
| 10 gal | 37.850 L | 45.460 L |
| 20 gal | 75.700 L | 90.920 L |
| 30 gal | 113.550 L | 136.380 L |
| 40 gal | 151.400 L | 181.840 L |
| 50 gal | 189.250 L | 227.300 L |
| 100 gal | 378.500 L | 454.600 L |
Interesting Facts
- A 10-gallon fish tank holds about 38 liters of water.
- U.S. car fuel efficiency is measured in miles per gallon, while most other countries use liters per 100 km.
- A British Imperial gallon is about 20% larger than a U.S. gallon.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many liters are in a U.S. gallon?
3.785 L.
2. How many liters are in an Imperial gallon?
4.546 L.
3. Why are U.S. and Imperial gallons different?
They were standardized separately in the 19th century.
4. How do I convert gallons to liters easily?
Multiply by 3.8 (for U.S.) or 4.5 (for Imperial) for a quick estimate.
5. Is a gallon larger than a liter?
Yes, one U.S. gallon equals about 3.8 liters.
