How to Convert Litres to Gallons (2026)

Litres and gallons are the two most common units for measuring liquid volume, but a US gallon and a UK (imperial) gallon are not the same — they differ by about 20%. Whether you are converting a fuel tank capacity, a recipe, or a water tank specification, getting the right gallon matters. Use the Volume Converter to convert between litres, US gallons, imperial gallons, and other volume units instantly.

The Conversion Factors

There are three relationships worth knowing. One US gallon equals exactly 3.78541 litres. One imperial (UK) gallon equals exactly 4.54609 litres. And one imperial gallon equals 1.20095 US gallons. To convert litres to US gallons, divide by 3.785. To convert litres to imperial gallons, divide by 4.546. Going the other direction — gallons to litres — multiply by the same factor.

US Gallon vs Imperial Gallon — Why It Matters

The US gallon was defined separately from the British imperial system in the early 19th century and has been smaller ever since. A 10-gallon fuel tank in a US vehicle holds 37.9 litres; the same label on a UK vehicle would mean 45.5 litres. Recipes from American cookbooks use US gallons (and US cups, which are also smaller). British, Canadian, and Australian recipes — when they use gallons at all — mean imperial gallons. If you are following a recipe, buying fuel abroad, or sizing a container, always confirm which gallon the source is using.

Practical Examples

A standard car fuel tank of 60 litres holds 15.9 US gallons or 13.2 imperial gallons. A 5-litre engine oil can is 1.32 US gallons. A bathtub holding 150 litres is about 39.6 US gallons. A 1-gallon paint tin in the US contains 3.785 litres; the UK equivalent contains 4.546 litres — that difference matters when matching coverage estimates on a data sheet.

Use the Volume Converter to do this instantly.