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Liters to Gallons Calculator

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Created by: James Porter

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This Liters to Gallons Calculator allows you to easily convert liquid volumes between liters (L) and US gallons (gal). Simply enter a value in either liters or gallons, and the calculator will instantly provide the corresponding conversion. It's a handy tool for various everyday tasks, from cooking to understanding fuel capacities.

What is a Liters to Gallons Converter?

A Liters to Gallons Converter is a tool used to convert a volume measurement from liters (L) to US gallons (gal). This is a common conversion needed in various fields, including cooking, science, engineering, and everyday situations where liquid volumes are measured using different metric and imperial units. Understanding this conversion helps in accurately interpreting and comparing volumes across different measurement systems.

Whether you're filling up a car, measuring ingredients for a recipe, or working on a scientific experiment, knowing how to convert liters to gallons or vice versa is essential for precision.

Liters to Gallons Formula

The formula to convert liters to US gallons is:

Gallons = Liters × 0.264172

Where:

  • Liters is the volume in liters.
  • Gallons is the volume in US gallons.
  • 0.264172 is the conversion factor (1 liter is approximately equal to 0.264172 US gallons).

To convert US gallons to liters, the formula is:

Liters = Gallons / 0.264172

Or, more directly:

Liters = Gallons × 3.78541

(Since 1 US gallon is approximately 3.78541 liters)

How to Calculate Liters to Gallons: Example

Let's say you have 20 liters of water and you want to know how many US gallons this is.

  1. Identify the volume in liters: 20 L
  2. Use the conversion formula: Gallons = Liters × 0.264172
  3. Substitute the value: Gallons = 20 × 0.264172
  4. Calculate the result: Gallons ≈ 5.28344 US gallons

So, 20 liters is approximately equal to 5.28 US gallons.

Common Applications

  • Automotive: Fuel tank capacities are often given in liters or gallons depending on the region.
  • Cooking & Baking: Recipes from different parts of the world may use liters or gallons for liquid ingredients.
  • Science & Engineering: Experiments and technical specifications often require volume conversions.
  • Travel: Understanding liquid allowances for luggage (e.g., for beverages) when traveling between countries using different units.
  • Gardening: Measuring water for irrigation or fertilizer solutions.

Sources and References

  1. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). (2019). Guide for the Use of the International System of Units (SI). NIST Special Publication 811.
  2. BIPM (Bureau International des Poids et Mesures). The International System of Units (SI). Latest Edition.
  3. O'Malley, M. (2020). *Fluid Mechanics and Unit Conversions*. Engineering Press.