Convert Volume from Liters to Gallons (l to gal)

Liter to Gallon Conversion Formula

Example

Let's convert 5 Liter (l) to Gallon (gal).

Using the formula:

Therefore, 5 Liter (l) is equal to 1.3208602578125 Gallon (gal).

How many liters are in one gallon? One Gallon (gal) contains 3.785411795401118588 Liters (l) — the inverse of the factor above. Multiplying by 0.2641720515625 takes you from liters to gallons; multiplying by 3.785411795401118588 brings you back.

Put in words: one liter equals 0.2641720515625 gallons, so the liter is the smaller 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 Liter (l)?

A liter (l) is a fundamental unit used to measure volume in the metric system.

In simple terms, it measures the amount of space a substance occupies, like the amount of soda in a bottle. The plural form is liters.

Where Did the Liter Come From?

The liter was introduced in France in 1795 during the French Revolution.

It was created as part of a movement toward a more logical and universal system of measurement, which later evolved into the modern metric system.

Initially, the definition of a liter was based on the weight of one kilogram of pure water.

How Is a Liter Defined Today?

While the original definition was based on the mass of water, it was updated for greater precision and consistency.

Today, the official definition directly connects the liter to a unit of length, making it easier to understand.

So, how big is a liter?

A liter is officially defined as exactly one cubic decimeter (1 dm³).

This means a liter is the volume of a perfect cube with sides that are each 10 centimeters long (10 cm × 10 cm × 10 cm).

Liter vs. Litre: Which Spelling Is Correct?

The difference between "liter" and "litre" is simply a regional spelling choice—the volume they represent is precisely the same!

Both spellings are correct, and the one you use depends on where you are.

• Liter: This is the international standard spelling, used in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and most other English-speaking countries.
• Liter: This is the preferred spelling in American English.

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.

Liter to Gallon Conversion Table

Here are some quick reference conversions from Liter (l) to Gallon (gal):