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Barrel Conversion Table
This comprehensive barrel conversion table shows how various units relate to barrels. Use this reference for quick conversions between barrels and other common volume units.
| Conversion | To Unit | Multiplier |
|---|---|---|
| Barrels to cubic meters | Cubic Meters | 0.158987 |
| Barrels to liters | Liters | 158.987 |
| Barrels to gallons | Gallons | 41.9997 |
| Barrels to cubic feet | Cubic Feet | 5.61458 |
| Barrels to cubic inches | Cubic Inches | 9702 |
| Barrels to quarts | Quarts | 168 |
| Barrels to pints | Pints | 336 |
| Barrels to fluid ounces | Fluid Ounces | 5376 |
| Barrels to cups | Cups | 672 |
| Barrels to tablespoons | Tablespoons | 10752 |
| Barrels to teaspoons | Teaspoons | 32256 |
| Barrels to bushels | Bushels | 4.4087 |
| Barrels to pecks | Pecks | 17.635 |
This barrel conversion reference table provides accurate conversion factors for both metric and imperial units. All values are based on internationally recognized standards for maximum precision.
What is a Barrel?
A barrel is a unit of volume measurement with several definitions depending on the context. The most common is the oil barrel, which equals 42 US gallons or approximately 159 liters. Barrels are widely used in the petroleum industry and for measuring beer and other liquids. Our barrel conversion tool helps you easily convert between barrels and other units.
There are different types of barrels including:
- Oil barrel (42 US gallons)
- Beer barrel (31 US gallons)
- Dry barrel (105 dry quarts)
Barrel Standards
The barrel unit varies by application:
- Petroleum: 42 US gallons (158.987 liters)
- Beer: 31 US gallons (117.348 liters)
- Dry goods: 105 dry quarts (115.627 liters)
- UK: 36 imperial gallons (163.659 liters)
This page focuses on the petroleum barrel as the most commonly referenced unit.
What are Barrels Used For?
Barrels are used in a wide range of applications:
Petroleum Industry
Measuring crude oil production, refining, and trading. Oil prices are commonly quoted per barrel on global markets.
Beverage Industry
Measuring beer and wine production. A standard beer barrel contains 31 gallons (117 liters) in the US.
Shipping & Storage
Measuring liquid cargo in maritime and land transportation. Barrels provide a standard unit for bulk liquid shipments.
Chemical Industry
Measuring and trading chemical products. Many industrial chemicals are bought and sold by the barrel.
Etymology and History
The word "barrel" comes from Old French "baril" and has Germanic origins. Historically, barrels were wooden containers used for storing and transporting goods. The standardization of barrel measurements developed over centuries to meet commercial and industrial needs.
The modern oil barrel was standardized in the 19th century when the petroleum industry needed consistent measurements for trading. The 42-gallon size was chosen based on existing whiskey barrel standards and became the global benchmark for crude oil trading. This historical definition continues to influence volume unit conversions today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is oil measured in barrels?
The oil industry adopted the 42-gallon barrel as a standard unit in the 1800s based on existing whiskey barrel sizes. This standardization simplified trading and transportation logistics. Our barrel conversion tool makes it easy to convert this historical unit to modern measurements.
How many liters are in a barrel?
A standard oil barrel contains approximately 158.987 liters. The exact value depends on which type of barrel you're referencing (oil, beer, dry). Our converter handles all these variations with precision.
Are all barrels the same size?
No, barrels have different sizes depending on their purpose. An oil barrel is 42 gallons, a beer barrel is 31 gallons, and a dry barrel is 105 dry quarts. Always specify which barrel type you're using for accurate conversions.
How do I convert barrels to gallons?
Use our barrel conversion calculators above, or multiply by the appropriate conversion factor. For oil barrels, multiply by 42 to get US gallons. Our tool also handles conversions to metric units like liters and cubic meters.
What's the difference between US and UK barrels?
The US oil barrel is 42 US gallons (158.987 liters), while the UK barrel is 36 imperial gallons (163.659 liters). These differences reflect variations in gallon definitions between the US and UK measurement systems.
How does barrel conversion work with other volume units?
Barrel conversion follows standard volume conversion principles. Each unit has a fixed relationship to the barrel, allowing for mathematical conversion. Our tool automates these calculations for any volume unit.
Can I convert fractional barrels?
Yes, our barrel converter handles fractional values with precision. Whether you need to convert 0.5 barrels or 12.75 barrels, our tool provides accurate results for any decimal value.
Is your barrel conversion tool free to use?
Yes, our barrel conversion calculator is completely free with no registration required. Simply enter your value, select your target unit, and get instant, accurate results for all your volume conversion needs.