System comparison

US gallon vs Imperial gallon

The names match, but the volumes do not. One US gallon is exactly 3.785411784 liters; one Imperial gallon is exactly 4.54609 liters.

By GallonMan Editorial Published Updated Editorial process Sources
AnswerAn Imperial gallon is about 20.1% larger than a US gallon1 Imperial gal ≈ 1.200949926 US gal
US gallon: 3.785411784 L Imperial gallon: 4.54609 L

Understand the relationship

Visual explanation

The US system and the British Imperial system developed with different gallon definitions. That difference continues through their pints and fluid ounces.

Both gallons contain eight pints, but the pints are system-specific. A US pint is 473.176473 mL; an Imperial pint is 568.26125 mL. Fluid-ounce counts also differ: 128 per US gallon and 160 per Imperial gallon.

US gallon: 3.785411784 LImperial gallon: 4.54609 L

Calculate it

The formula

Use this rule1 Imperial gal ≈ 1.200949926 US gal

Instant converter

Convert while you learn

US customary → Imperial

1 US gallon equals

0.8326741846 Imperial gallons

Calculated from the canonical unit dataset.

Conversion path 1 × 3785.411784 mL ÷ 4546.09 mL

Follow the reasoning

Worked examples

Compare 1 gallon in liters.

4.54609 − 3.785411784 = 0.760678216

The Imperial gallon holds 0.760678216 L more.

Convert 5 Imperial gallons to liters.

5 × 4.54609 = 22.73045

5 Imp gal = 22.73045 L

Convert 5 US gallons to liters.

5 × 3.785411784 = 18.92705892

5 US gal = 18.92705892 L

Quick lookup

US gallon to Imperial gallons chart

US gallonsImperial gallons
10.83267418463
21.6653483693
54.1633709231
108.3267418463

Values are generated from the same canonical constants used by the converter. Decimal display may be rounded.

Common mistake

Check the unit and direction

Never infer the system from the word “gallon” alone. Look for US, Imperial, a country context, or the stated liter value.

Remember it

Attach the system label every time: write “US gal” or “Imp gal,” never just “gal” in an international calculation.

Quick practice

Which is larger: 3 US gallons or 3 Imperial gallons?

Accuracy note: Core U.S. liquid relationships and the 231-cubic-inch gallon were checked against NIST Handbook 44 (2026), Appendix C. SI definitions were checked against NIST SI Units—Volume. Imperial values were checked against the UK Weights and Measures Act 1985. Values were last checked on . Review the source list.