Convert Volume from Gallons to Quarts (gal to qt)

Gallon to Quart Conversion Formula

Example

Let's convert 5 Gallon (gal) to Quart (qt).

Using the formula:

Therefore, 5 Gallon (gal) is equal to 20 Quart (qt).

How many gallons are in one quart? One Quart (qt) contains 0.25 Gallons (gal) — the inverse of the factor above. Multiplying by 4 takes you from gallons to quarts; multiplying by 0.25 brings you back.

Put in words: one gallon equals 4 quarts, so the gallon is the larger unit of this pair. Converting between them never changes the amount of volume being measured — only the size of the unit you count it in.

What is a Gallon (gal)?

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).

What's the Difference Between a US Gallon and an Imperial Gallon?

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!

• The US Gallon is smaller, defined as 231 cubic inches, which is approximately 3.785 liters.
• The Imperial Gallon is larger, equivalent to about 4.546 liters.

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!

Where Does the Word "Gallon" Come From?

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.

What is a "Dry" Gallon?

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.

What is a Quart (qt)?

A quart (qt) is a unit of volume measurement.

A single quart is equal to 32 fluid ounces (fl oz), 2 pints, or 4 cups.

It is a key measurement in both the imperial and United States customary systems. The plural form is quarts.

Where Does the Name "Quart" Come From?

The word "quart" comes from the Latin word quartus, meaning "a fourth part."

This name is a direct clue to its size: a quart is exactly one-quarter of a gallon. This simple relationship makes it an easy-to-remember unit.

US vs. Imperial (UK) Quarts: A Key Difference

It's crucial to know that the US and Imperial (UK) quarts are not the same size. While both systems are related, their definitions for a quart differ significantly.

• A US liquid quart is equal to approximately 946.35 milliliters.
• An Imperial quart (UK) is about 20% larger, equal to approximately 1,136.52 milliliters.

This difference is critical to remember when converting recipes or measurements between countries.

What's the Difference Between a Liquid and a Dry Quart?

The United States customary system also distinguishes between a liquid quart and a dry quart.

A liquid quart is used for liquids like milk or oil, while a dry quart measures the volume of dry goods like berries or flour.

They are not the same volume.

• A US liquid quart is about 0.946 liters.
• A US dry quart is slightly larger, equaling approximately 1.101 liters.

Gallon to Quart Conversion Table

Here are some quick reference conversions from Gallon (gal) to Quart (qt):