Author
Home > Geography > What is the Difference Between Gallon and Litre?

Guilherme Mazui

•2 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Gallon and Litre?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The main difference between a gallon and a liter is their volume. A gallon is a larger unit of volume than a liter. Specifically, 1 gallon is equal to 3.785 liters in the United States and 4.5 liters in the United Kingdom. There are two main types of gallons: the American gallon and the British imperial gallon.

Key differences between gallon and liter include:

  • Volume: 1 gallon is equal to 3.785 liters in the US and 4.5 liters in the UK.
  • Symbol: The symbol for gallon is "gal," while the symbol for liter is "L".
  • Usage: Gallons are commonly used in the US for larger containers, while liters are more widely used internationally, including in the UK.

To convert gallons to liters, you can use the following conversions:

  • 1 US gallon = 3.785411784 liters.
  • 1 UK (Imperial) gallon = 4.54609188 liters.

In summary, a gallon is a larger unit of volume than a liter, with 1 gallon being equal to 3.785 liters in the US and 4.5 liters in the UK. The gallon is more commonly used in the US for larger containers, while the liter is more widely used internationally, including in the UK.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Gallon and Litre?
  • Comparative Table: Gallon vs Litre

    • Comparative Table: Gallon vs Litre

    Here is a table comparing the differences between gallons and liters:

    Parameter Gallon Liter
    Volume Unit Customary (US) and Imperial (UK) Metric
    Symbol gal (US) or imperial (UK) L (SI)
    Conversion Factor 1 US gallon = 3.785 liters 1 liter = 0.2641720524 gallons (US)
    Usage Primarily used in the US Widely used globally, especially in countries that have adopted the metric system
    Measurement Type Liquids only Fluids and solids (fine particles or powders)
    Variants 1. US liquid gallon
    2. US dry gallon
    3. Imperial (UK) gallon    		 Many types, can be used with all SI prefixes

    To convert liters to gallons, multiply the liter value by 0.26417205236 or divide by 3.785411784.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.