1. Home
  2. Volume

US Gallon

VolumeUS CustomaryUS gal

Definition and History

The US gallon is a unit of volume in the US customary system, equal to 4 quarts or exactly 3.785411784 liters. It is commonly used for measuring fuel consumption, large quantities of liquids, and is the standard unit for gasoline sales in the United States.

The US gallon was originally based on the volume of a standard container and was redefined in 1893 to be exactly 231 cubic inches. It has become a standardized unit for measuring large quantities of liquids in various applications, providing a practical measurement for commercial and industrial use.

The US gallon is exactly equal to 128 fluid ounces in the US customary system, making it a convenient unit for measuring large quantities of liquids in both commercial and automotive applications.

Usage and Applications

US gallons are commonly used for measuring fuel consumption and storage, particularly for gasoline, diesel, and other fuels. They are the standard unit for fuel sales in the United States, providing consistent pricing and measurement for consumers.

In household applications, US gallons are used for measuring large quantities of liquids like water, milk, and cleaning products. They are a standard size for many household products, ensuring consistent packaging and pricing for consumer goods.

Scientific and Engineering Applications

In laboratory settings, US gallons are sometimes used for measuring large quantities of liquids in chemistry and biology experiments, particularly in American research institutions where US customary units are preferred.

In environmental science and engineering, US gallons are used for measuring water flows, pollution volumes, and environmental impact assessments, providing standardized measurements for environmental monitoring and regulation.

International Standards

The US gallon is officially defined as exactly 3.785411784 liters in the US customary system. It is equivalent to 4 quarts and provides consistency in fuel and liquid measurements across different applications and industries.

The US gallon is widely recognized and used in the United States for fuel and liquid measurements, ensuring consistency in fuel sales and liquid product sizing while maintaining compatibility with the US customary measurement system.

Did You Know?

The US gallon is the fuel economy unit! A US gallon equals 3.785 liters and is used for fuel in the US. This is why US cars get better 'miles per gallon' - they're using a smaller gallon! The word 'gallon' comes from Old French 'galon'. The US kept the old gallon definition while the British redefined theirs in 1824!

All conversions from US Gallons (US gal)