Unit converter
Liters to Imperial Gallons Converter
Convert litres to imperial gallons for modern metric volumes that need an older UK gallon comparison. The exact factor is 1 l = 0.21996924829908776 imperial gal, calculated from the imperial gallon value in `units.ts`. This helps with litres bought at a fuel pump, heating oil deliveries, domestic boiler notes, and tank capacities where older paperwork, neighbours, or maintenance records still speak in gallons. The result is for imperial gallons only, so it fits UK-style mpg and heating-oil history rather than US gallon usage.
1 liter = 0.219969 imperial gallons
Common liters to imperial gallons values
| Liters | Imperial gallons |
|---|---|
| 1 l | 0.219969 gal |
| 2 l | 0.439938 gal |
| 5 l | 1.0998 gal |
| 10 l | 2.1997 gal |
| 20 l | 4.3994 gal |
| 50 l | 10.9985 gal |
| 100 l | 21.9969 gal |
How to convert
- Begin with the measured or invoiced volume in litres.
- Multiply litres by 0.21996924829908776 to convert the amount into imperial gallons.
- For fuel economy or boiler records, keep at least two decimal places until the comparison is finished.
- To move back from imperial gallons to litres, multiply gallons by 4.54609 instead.
- As a mental estimate, divide litres by 4.5 to get close, then trim the answer slightly.
imperial gallons = litres * 0.21996924829908776
The imperial gallon is 4.54609 litres. Dividing one litre by 4.54609 gives 0.21996924829908776, so the litre amount is multiplied by that factor to obtain imperial gallons.
- l
- the starting volume in litres
- 0.21996924829908776
- imperial gallons in one litre
Worked example
A 45 litre petrol fill for a UK car log is 45 multiplied by 0.21996924829908776, giving 9.89861617345895 imperial gal. If the trip covered 360 miles, that fill corresponds to about 36.37 miles per imperial gallon before allowing for tank-level uncertainty.
Key facts
- A 50 l petrol fill is 10.998462414954388 imperial gal.
- A 1000 l oil delivery is just under 220 imperial gal.
- Imperial gallons are used in traditional UK mpg figures, even though fuel is sold by the litre.
- This factor is the reciprocal of 4.54609 l per imperial gallon.
Tips
- For fuel logs, record litres from the receipt and let the spreadsheet convert to imperial gallons.
- When checking an old tank size, convert both the nominal tank capacity and the actual delivery volume.
- Use imperial gallons only where the comparison source clearly comes from UK or Commonwealth measures.
Frequently asked questions
How many imperial gallons in 1 litre?+
One litre is 0.21996924829908776 imperial gal with the factor used by this page.
How many imperial gallons is 1000 litres of heating oil?+
1000 litres is 219.96924829908776 imperial gal, usually described as about 220 imperial gallons.
Why is my UK mpg different from US mpg?+
The UK figure uses imperial gallons, which are larger than US gallons. The same car and distance can show a higher mpg number when the gallon is imperial.
Should I convert litres to gallons before calculating boiler use?+
Only if the comparison document is in imperial gallons. Modern invoices and many burner specifications already use litres, so stay metric when possible.
Things to watch
- Using a US gallon factor here will produce the wrong mpg or tank size for UK records.
- A rounded 4.5 l per gallon estimate is handy in conversation but too rough for fuel-cost reconciliation.
Sources
- Weights and Measures Act 1985, Schedule 1 · UK National Archives
- NIST Guide for the Use of the International System of Units, SP 811 · NIST
Last updated: 2026-01-01
Conversions use internationally defined factors. Provided for general use; verify critical measurements independently.