Liters to Gallons Converter

1 liter (L) equals 0.264172052358 gallons (gal).

Quick answer

To convert liters to US gallons, divide by 3.785 (or multiply by 0.264172). For UK (imperial) gallons, divide by 4.546.

  • 1 liter = 0.2641720524 gallons
  • 1 gallon = 3.785411784 liters
  • Formula: gal = L × 0.264172052358
  • Quick estimate: divide by 4 and add 5%: 40 L → 10 + 0.5 = 10.5 gal (exact 10.57).

1 liter = 0.2641720524 gallons

How to convert liters to gallons

gal = L × 0.264172052358

To convert liters to gallons, multiply the number of liters by 0.264172052358.

Example: 42 L to gal

  1. Start with the value in liters: 42 L.
  2. Multiply by 0.264172052358: 42 × 0.264172052358 = 11.0952262.
  3. Result: 42 liters = 11.0952262 gallons.

Going the other way, 1 gallon = 3.785411784 liters, so to convert gallons back to liters you divide by the same number. See gallons to liters.

Where the conversion factor comes from

The US liquid gallon is defined as 231 cubic inches, which is exactly 3.785411784 liters. It descends from the English wine gallon of Queen Anne (1707). The UK imperial gallon, defined in 1824 as the volume of 10 pounds of water, is about 20% larger: 4.54609 liters.

Mental math: L to gal in your head

Divide by 4, then add about 5.7%: 60 L → 15 → 15.9 gal (exact 15.85). For imperial gallons, divide by 4.5.

When you need to convert liters to gallons

  • Fuel: car tanks and fuel prices per liter vs per gallon.
  • Water: tanks, pools, aquariums and water heaters.
  • Paint and chemicals sold by the liter or gallon.

Common mistakes

  • Using US gallons for a UK figure or the reverse: they differ by 20%.
  • Comparing fuel prices without converting both the volume and the currency.

Everyday liters in gallons

ExampleLitersGallons
Bottle of soda2 L0.52834 gal
Paint can (metric)4 L1.0567 gal
Car fuel tank (compact)45 L11.888 gal
Car fuel tank (SUV)70 L18.492 gal
Bathtub (full)150 L39.626 gal
Hot water heater (typical)190 L50.193 gal

Liters to gallons conversion table

Liters (L)Gallons (gal)
0.1 L 0.02641720524 gal
0.2 L 0.05283441047 gal
0.3 L 0.07925161571 gal
0.4 L 0.1056688209 gal
0.5 L 0.1320860262 gal
0.6 L 0.1585032314 gal
0.7 L 0.1849204367 gal
0.8 L 0.2113376419 gal
0.9 L 0.2377548471 gal
1 L 0.2641720524 gal
1.5 L 0.3962580785 gal
2 L 0.5283441047 gal
2.5 L 0.6604301309 gal
3 L 0.7925161571 gal
3.5 L 0.9246021833 gal
4 L 1.056688209 gal
4.5 L 1.188774236 gal
5 L 1.320860262 gal
6 L 1.585032314 gal
7 L 1.849204367 gal
7.5 L 1.981290393 gal
8 L 2.113376419 gal
9 L 2.377548471 gal
10 L 2.641720524 gal
11 L 2.905892576 gal
12 L 3.170064628 gal
13 L 3.434236681 gal
14 L 3.698408733 gal
15 L 3.962580785 gal
16 L 4.226752838 gal
17 L 4.49092489 gal
18 L 4.755096942 gal
19 L 5.019268995 gal
20 L 5.283441047 gal
21 L 5.5476131 gal
22 L 5.811785152 gal
23 L 6.075957204 gal
24 L 6.340129257 gal
25 L 6.604301309 gal
26 L 6.868473361 gal

More L to gal values

What is a liter?

The liter (also spelled litre) is the everyday metric unit of volume, equal to exactly one cubic decimeter, or 1,000 cubic centimeters.

More about liters →

What is a gallon?

The US gallon is the unit used in the United States for gasoline, milk and other liquids.

More about gallons →

Convert liters to other units

Convert other units to gallons

Frequently asked questions

How many gallons are in a liter?

One liter is 0.2641720524 gallons.

How many liters are in a gallon?

One gallon is 3.785411784 liters.

What is the formula to convert liters to gallons?

gal = L × 0.264172052358.

How many gallons is 1 liter?

1 liter is 0.264 US gallons (0.22 imperial gallons).

How many gallons is 20 liters?

20 liters is 5.28 US gallons.