Litres to UK (imperial) gallons (L to UK gal)

The formula

UK gal = L × 0.2199692483

Where the factor comes from — each unit by its definition, then its size in SI:

• 1 L = m³ / 1000 = 0.001 m³
• 1 UK gal = 4.54609 × L = 0.00454609 m³

Dividing the two SI sizes gives the factor: 0.219969248299 (rounded for display; the underlying ratio is fixed by the definitions). The reverse factor is 4.54609.

The cubic metre is the SI unit of volume; the litre is exactly one thousandth of it. The US and UK gallons are different sizes, which is why a fuel-economy figure in mpg depends on which country printed it.

Worked examples

• A soft-drink bottle: 2 L = 0.439938 UK gal — 2 × 0.2199692483 = 0.439938
• A paint bucket (5 US gal): 18.9271 L = 4.16337 UK gal — 18.9271 × 0.2199692483 = 4.16337
• A water tank (1 m³): 1,000 L = 219.969 UK gal — 1,000 × 0.2199692483 = 219.969
• A drinks can (330 mL): 0.33 L = 0.0725899 UK gal — 0.33 × 0.2199692483 = 0.0725899

Frequently asked questions