L to Gal Conversion Calculator
Click on the following link if you want to convert gallons to liters – gal to L
History
The liter (L) was introduced in France at the end of the 18th century as part of the new metric system. It was designed to be universal and simple to use, based on powers of ten.
The gallon (gal), however, is much older and originated in England, where it was used to measure wine, ale, and grain. Over time, two different gallon systems developed:
- The U.S. gallon (used in the United States)
- The Imperial gallon (used in the United Kingdom and some Commonwealth countries)
These two gallons are not the same size:
- 1 U.S. gallon = 3.785 liters
- 1 Imperial gallon = 4.546 liters
Common Usage
- Liters (L) are used almost everywhere in the world for drinks, water, and car fuel.
- Gallons (gal) are mainly used in the U.S. and U.K. for gasoline, milk, and large liquid containers.
For example, a car’s fuel tank of 50 liters equals 13.2 U.S. gallons or 11 Imperial gallons.
Liters to Gallons Conversion Formula
Depending on which gallon you’re converting to:
U.S. gallons = L ÷ 3.785
Imperial gallons = L ÷ 4.546
Example:
Convert 10 liters to both gallon types.
U.S.: 10 ÷ 3.785 = 2.64 gal
Imperial: 10 ÷ 4.546 = 2.20 gal
Conversion Table
| Liters (L) | U.S. Gallons (gal) | Imperial Gallons (gal) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 L | 0.26 gal | 0.22 gal |
| 5 L | 1.32 gal | 1.10 gal |
| 10 L | 2.64 gal | 2.20 gal |
| 20 L | 5.28 gal | 4.40 gal |
| 30 L | 7.93 gal | 6.60 gal |
| 40 L | 10.57 gal | 8.80 gal |
| 50 L | 13.21 gal | 11.00 gal |
| 60 L | 15.85 gal | 13.20 gal |
| 100 L | 26.42 gal | 22.00 gal |
| 200 L | 52.83 gal | 44.00 gal |
Interesting Facts
- A U.S. gallon is about 16 cups or 8 pints.
- A British (Imperial) gallon is about 20% larger than a U.S. gallon.
- A standard car fuel tank in Europe holds around 50 liters, which is about 13 U.S. gallons.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many liters are in one U.S. gallon?
3.785 liters.
2. How many liters are in one Imperial gallon?
4.546 liters.
3. How can I quickly convert liters to U.S. gallons?
Divide by 3.8 for an easy mental estimate.
4. Why are there two types of gallons?
They evolved separately in England and the U.S. based on different standards for wine and ale.
5. Which gallon is bigger?
The Imperial gallon is larger than the U.S. gallon.
