Litres to Gallons Converter
Convert between litres and gallons with precision. This converter supports both UK imperial gallons and US gallons, providing accurate results for fuel capacity, liquid measurements, and volume conversions.
Conversion Formulas
The mathematical relationship between litres and gallons varies depending on whether you’re converting to imperial or US gallons. Both systems have distinct definitions that affect the conversion factor.
Understanding the Difference
The UK imperial gallon and US gallon differ significantly in their definitions. An imperial gallon is based on 10 pounds of water at 62°F and equals 4.54609 litres, whilst the US gallon is defined as 231 cubic inches, equivalent to 3.785411784 litres. This makes the imperial gallon approximately 20% larger than the US gallon.
Key Difference: The UK imperial gallon contains 4.54609 litres, whilst the US gallon contains only 3.785 litres. This means 1 UK gallon equals approximately 1.2 US gallons.
Visual Comparison
10 Litres Comparison
The same volume of liquid measured in different units
Common Conversion Tables
Litres to UK Imperial Gallons
| Litres (L) |
UK Imperial Gallons (gal) |
| 1 | 0.220 |
| 5 | 1.100 |
| 10 | 2.200 |
| 15 | 3.300 |
| 20 | 4.399 |
| 25 | 5.499 |
| 30 | 6.599 |
| 40 | 8.799 |
| 45 | 9.899 |
| 50 | 10.998 |
| 60 | 13.198 |
| 75 | 16.498 |
| 80 | 17.598 |
| 100 | 21.997 |
Litres to US Gallons
| Litres (L) |
US Gallons (gal) |
| 1 | 0.264 |
| 5 | 1.321 |
| 10 | 2.642 |
| 15 | 3.963 |
| 20 | 5.283 |
| 25 | 6.604 |
| 30 | 7.925 |
| 40 | 10.567 |
| 45 | 11.888 |
| 50 | 13.209 |
| 60 | 15.850 |
| 75 | 19.813 |
| 80 | 21.134 |
| 100 | 26.417 |
UK Imperial Gallons to Litres
| UK Imperial Gallons (gal) |
Litres (L) |
| 1 | 4.546 |
| 2 | 9.092 |
| 3 | 13.638 |
| 5 | 22.730 |
| 7 | 31.823 |
| 10 | 45.461 |
| 12 | 54.553 |
| 15 | 68.191 |
| 20 | 90.922 |
| 25 | 113.652 |
Fuel Tank Capacity Reference
Vehicle fuel tanks in the UK are typically measured in litres, but historical specifications and some documentation may reference gallons. Here are typical fuel tank capacities for different vehicle types.
| Vehicle Type |
Typical Capacity (Litres) |
UK Gallons |
| Small City Car | 35-45 | 7.7-9.9 |
| Family Hatchback | 45-55 | 9.9-12.1 |
| Saloon/Estate | 55-65 | 12.1-14.3 |
| SUV/Crossover | 60-75 | 13.2-16.5 |
| Large SUV/4×4 | 75-100 | 16.5-22.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many litres are in a UK imperial gallon?
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One UK imperial gallon contains exactly 4.54609 litres. This is the standard measurement used throughout the United Kingdom for fuel efficiency ratings and liquid volumes. The imperial gallon is larger than the US gallon, which contains only 3.785 litres.
What is the difference between UK and US gallons?
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The UK imperial gallon is approximately 20% larger than the US gallon. One imperial gallon equals 4.54609 litres, whilst one US gallon equals 3.785411784 litres. This means 1 UK gallon is equivalent to about 1.2 US gallons. The difference stems from different historical definitions of the gallon in British and American measurement systems.
How do I convert 50 litres to gallons?
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To convert 50 litres to UK imperial gallons, divide 50 by 4.54609, which equals approximately 10.998 gallons (or about 11 gallons). For US gallons, divide 50 by 3.785411784, which equals approximately 13.209 gallons. The conversion depends on which gallon measurement you require.
Why does the UK use litres instead of gallons for fuel?
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The UK transitioned to litres for fuel sales as part of metrication efforts to align with European standards. Whilst fuel is sold in litres at petrol stations, fuel efficiency is still commonly expressed in miles per gallon (mpg) for consumer familiarity. This dual system reflects the UK’s gradual shift towards metric measurements whilst maintaining some imperial units.
How many litres is a typical car fuel tank?
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Most family cars have fuel tanks ranging from 45 to 65 litres (approximately 10 to 14 UK gallons). Small city cars typically hold 35-45 litres, whilst larger SUVs and 4×4 vehicles can have tanks of 75-100 litres or more. The exact capacity varies by manufacturer and model, and can be found in your vehicle’s handbook or on the fuel filler cap.
Is the conversion from litres to gallons exact?
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Yes, the conversion factors are precisely defined. One UK imperial gallon is exactly 4.54609 litres by legal definition. One US gallon is exactly 3.785411784 litres (defined as 231 cubic inches). When you perform these conversions, the mathematical results are as exact as the precision you calculate to, though for practical purposes, rounding to two or three decimal places is typically sufficient.
Which countries use imperial gallons?
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The UK imperial gallon is primarily used in the United Kingdom, although the UK officially uses litres for fuel sales. Some Commonwealth countries and former British territories historically used imperial gallons, though many have since adopted the metric system. Canada formerly used imperial gallons but now uses litres. The US uses its own distinct US gallon measurement.
How do I convert gallons back to litres?
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To convert UK imperial gallons to litres, multiply the gallon value by 4.54609. For US gallons to litres, multiply by 3.785411784. For example, 10 UK gallons × 4.54609 = 45.4609 litres, whilst 10 US gallons × 3.785411784 = 37.854 litres. The converter on this page can perform both directions of conversion automatically.
