To convert liters to US gallons, multiply by 0.264172. So 1 L = 0.264 gal, 10 L = 2.64 gal, and 20 L = 5.28 gal. For the reverse, 1 US gallon = 3.78541 liters - a bit less than 4 liters.
- Formula: gal = L × 0.264172. Reverse: L = gal × 3.78541.
- Quick mental check: 1 gallon is about 3.8 liters. 10 liters is about 2.6 gallons.
- US gallon (3.785 L) differs from UK imperial gallon (4.546 L). This converter uses US gallons.
- Common: 40 L tank = 10.57 gallons. 60 L tank = 15.85 gallons. 20 L jug = 5.28 gallons.
How to use our L to gal converter
Type any liter value in the L field and the gallon result appears instantly. You can also type in the gallon field to convert back to liters - both directions work without pressing a button.
How do you convert liters to gallons?
Multiply the number of liters by 0.264172. This factor is derived from the exact US gallon definition: 1 US liquid gallon = 3.785411784 L exactly. So 1 L = 1/3.785411784 = 0.264172 gallons.
$$\text{gal} = \text{L} \times 0.264172$$
Worked examples: 1 L = 0.264 gal. 5 L = 1.321 gal. 10 L = 2.642 gal. 20 L = 5.283 gal. 40 L = 10.567 gal. 50 L = 13.209 gal. 100 L = 26.417 gal.
How do you convert gallons to liters?
Multiply gallons by 3.78541. See the dedicated gallons to liters converter for a gallons-first reference table.
$$\text{L} = \text{gal} \times 3.78541$$
Worked examples: 1 gal = 3.785 L. 2 gal = 7.571 L. 5 gal = 18.927 L. 10 gal = 37.854 L.
Liters to gallons reference table
Common liter values converted to US gallons, covering fuel tanks, water containers, and industrial volumes:
| Liters (L) | Gallons (gal) | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 L | 0.264 gal | Small bottle / 1 liter |
| 4 L | 1.057 gal | Approx 1 gallon (jugs) |
| 5 L | 1.321 gal | 5-liter gas can |
| 10 L | 2.642 gal | Medium water container |
| 20 L | 5.283 gal | Water cooler jug |
| 40 L | 10.567 gal | Small fuel tank |
| 50 L | 13.209 gal | Medium car fuel tank |
| 60 L | 15.850 gal | Standard car fuel tank |
| 75 L | 19.813 gal | Large SUV fuel tank |
| 100 L | 26.417 gal | Large container / barrel |
When do you need to convert liters to gallons?
This conversion is essential when switching between metric and US systems for large volumes. The most common scenarios:
- Fuel economy - comparing fuel consumption when one country quotes L/100km and another quotes mpg (miles per gallon).
- Water storage - comparing tank or container capacities between metric and US labeling.
- Cooking and brewing - scaling large-batch recipes between metric L and US gallon recipes.
- Purchasing - understanding how much liquid a metric product contains when you're used to gallon pricing.
FAQs about converting liters to US gallons
How many gallons is 1 liter?
1 liter equals 0.264 US gallons. Quick way to remember: it takes about 3.8 liters to make 1 gallon - so 1 liter is roughly a quarter of a gallon.
How many liters is 1 gallon?
1 US gallon equals 3.78541 liters. The UK imperial gallon is larger at 4.546 liters. This converter uses US gallons throughout.
How many gallons is 5 liters?
5 liters equals 1.321 US gallons. 5 × 0.264172 = 1.321 gallons. A standard 5-liter gas can holds about 1.3 gallons.
How many gallons is 20 liters?
20 liters equals 5.283 US gallons. 20 × 0.264172 = 5.28 gallons. A 20-liter water cooler jug holds about 5.3 gallons.