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Single conversion
To convert from Cubic Decimeter (dm3) to Gallon (gal), use the following formula:
With is the ratio between the base units Fluid Ounce (fl-oz) and Liter (l).
Let's convert 5 Cubic Decimeter (dm3) to Gallon (gal).
Using the formula:
Therefore, 5 Cubic Decimeter (dm3) is equal to Gallon (gal).
Here are some quick reference conversions from Cubic Decimeter (dm3) to Gallon (gal):
| Cubic Decimeters | Gallons |
|---|---|
| 0.000001 dm3 | gal |
| 0.001 dm3 | gal |
| 0.1 dm3 | gal |
| 1 dm3 | gal |
| 2 dm3 | gal |
| 3 dm3 | gal |
| 4 dm3 | gal |
| 5 dm3 | gal |
| 6 dm3 | gal |
| 7 dm3 | gal |
| 8 dm3 | gal |
| 9 dm3 | gal |
| 10 dm3 | gal |
| 20 dm3 | gal |
| 30 dm3 | gal |
| 40 dm3 | gal |
| 50 dm3 | gal |
| 100 dm3 | gal |
| 1000 dm3 | gal |
| 10000 dm3 | gal |
For all Volume converters, choose units using the From/To dropdowns above.
A cubic decimeter (dm3) is a unit used to measure volume in the metric system.
It is defined as the volume of a cube with sides that are one decimeter (10 cm) long.
Crucially, one cubic decimeter is precisely equal to one liter (L).
Yes, they are the same!
The most important thing to remember is that one cubic decimeter is precisely equal to 1 liter (1 dm3 = 1 L). This simple one-to-one relationship makes it a handy unit for measuring liquids.
Imagine a cube that is 10 cm tall, 10 cm wide, and 10 cm long—it holds exactly one liter of water.
This link between volume (from length) and capacity (liters) is a core principle of the metric system.
The cubic decimeter is a perfect "bridge" between smaller and larger volume measurements. Here's how it connects:
From dm3 to Cubic Centimeters (cm3): Since 1 decimeter = 10 centimeters, a cubic decimeter contains 10 x 10 x 10 = 1,000 cubic centimeters (cm3).
From dm3 to Milliliters (mL): Because 1 cm3 is identical to 1 milliliter (mL), it means that 1 dm3 also equals 1,000 mL.
From dm3 to Cubic Meters (m3): To measure larger spaces, you need 1,000 cubic decimeters to make one cubic meter (1 m3).
While you might not hear "cubic decimeter" in everyday conversation, it is essential in many scientific and technical fields:
Chemistry: Solution concentrations are often measured in moles per cubic decimeter (mol/dm3).
Engineering: The size of a car engine (its displacement) is measured in liters, which is a direct measurement of cubic decimeters.
Manufacturing: It's used for precise calculations where accuracy is critical.
A gallon (gal) is a unit of volume, most commonly associated with the imperial and US customary systems of measurement.
It is equal to 128 Fluid Ounces (fl-oz).
A common point of confusion is the difference between the US gallon and the imperial gallon (used in the UK and other Commonwealth nations).
They are not the same size!
This difference stems from historical definitions that were standardized differently in the US and Britain during the 18th and 19th centuries.
So, if you're comparing fuel efficiency, remember that "miles per gallon" ratings are based on different-sized gallons!
The word "gallon" has a rich history, tracing its roots back through several languages.
It originates from the Old Northern French word galon, which referred to a liquid measure.
This term is believed to have originated from the Gallo-Roman word gallēta, meaning a "pail" or "bucket." The ultimate origin likely goes back to a Celtic word, highlighting the unit's long-standing use in European trade and daily life for centuries.
While we typically associate the gallon with liquids, there is also a US dry gallon.
This unit, not commonly used today, is equivalent to one-eighth of a bushel, or about 4.405 liters. It was historically used to measure dry goods such as grain or fruit.
This is also why the famous "10-gallon hat" is a misnomer; its name doesn't refer to its volume.
Instead, it is thought to originate from the Spanish word galón, meaning "braid," which refers to the braided band on the hat.