Quick Answer: Liters to Gallons (US)
One liter is approximately 0.2642 US gallons (1 L ≈ 0.2642 gal).
Conversely, 1 gal ≈ 3.785 L.
Formula: gal = L ÷ 3.785411784
Worked examples
- 1 L ≈ 0.2642 gal
- 2 L ≈ 0.5283 gal
- 5 L ≈ 1.321 gal
Method and limitations
Divide liters by 3.785411784 (≈ × 0.264172). The result is in US liquid gallons. The imperial gallon is a different unit: exactly 4.54609 L, about 20% larger. For imperial gallons divide by 4.54609 instead. Calculations use full-precision constants; answers in this box are rounded for readability (≈ marks a rounded value) and the calculator shows up to 9 significant figures. This page uses the US customary liquid gallon (3.785411784 L). The imperial gallon is 4.54609 L, about 20% larger.
Each factor is exact by definition, derived from exact definitions, or a documented conventional value — see the methodology and sources.
Conversion Formula
Divide liters by 3.785411784 (≈ × 0.264172). The result is in US liquid gallons. The imperial gallon is a different unit: exactly 4.54609 L, about 20% larger. For imperial gallons divide by 4.54609 instead.
Complete Guide to Liters to Gallons (US) Conversion
What is a liter?
The liter (L) is 1 cubic decimeter (1,000 cm³).
What is a US gallon?
The US liquid gallon is 128 US fluid ounces. The US liquid gallon is exactly 231 cubic inches = 3.785411784 L.
How the Conversion Works
US gal = L ÷ 3.785411784. The divisor is exact, so the result is limited only by display rounding.
Step-by-Step Conversion Guide
Follow these steps to convert liters to gallons (us) manually:
Start with your value in liters
Example: You want to convert 5 L
Apply the conversion formula
Use the formula: gal = L ÷ 3.785411784
Calculate the result
5 L = 1.3209 gal
Verify your answer
Use our calculator above to double-check your manual calculation.
Quick Mental Math Tip
Divide by 4 and add 5%: 40 L ≈ 10 + 0.5 = 10.5 US gal (exact 10.57).
Common Conversions
| Liters (L) | Gallons (US) (gal) | Gallons (US) → Liters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 L | 0.264172 | 1 gal = 3.78541 L |
| 2 L | 0.528344 | 2 gal = 7.57082 L |
| 5 L | 1.32086 | 5 gal = 18.9271 L |
| 10 L | 2.64172 | 10 gal = 37.8541 L |
| 20 L | 5.28344 | 20 gal = 75.7082 L |
| 50 L | 13.2086 | 50 gal = 189.271 L |
| 100 L | 26.4172 | 100 gal = 378.541 L |
| 200 L | 52.8344 | 200 gal = 757.082 L |
| 500 L | 132.086 | 500 gal = 1,892.71 L |
| 1000 L | 264.172 | 1000 gal = 3,785.41 L |
Popular Liters to Gallons (US) Conversions
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When You'll Need This Conversion
Metric fuel volumes
Express a fuel purchase or tank size given in liters in US gallons.
Metric containers
A 20 L jerrycan holds 5.28 US gal; a 1,000 L tank holds 264.17 US gal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Reporting US gallons to an imperial-gallon audience
The two gallons differ by about 20%.
State "US gal" or "imp gal" with the answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Conversion factors on this page are either exact by definition, derived from exact definitions, or conventional values in documented use. Each is listed with its source in our conversion methodology and sources, which cites the BIPM SI Brochure, NIST Special Publication 811 and the relevant IEC or national standards. Results are rounded for display only; calculations use full precision.