Cylinder Volume Liters to Gallons Calculator
Convert cylindrical tank volume between metric liters and gallons. One liter equals 0.264172 US liquid gallons (0.219969 UK imperial gallons). For reverse calculations, one US liquid gallon equals 3.78541 liters. This tool provides bidirectional conversion for fluid tanks, beverage brewing, and liquid storage systems. Enter your values below to calculate capacity instantly.
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Calculated dimensions update this diagram
Two-way fluid conversion for cylindrical tanks
Cylindrical containers are used worldwide for water storage, chemical processing, fuel transport, and brewing. Converting between metric liters and gallons is a daily requirement for engineers, facility operators, and hobbyists.
This calculator works in both directions. You can enter cylinder dimensions to find liters and immediately read the equivalent volume in US liquid gallons and UK imperial gallons. You can also take a known gallon rating and translate it into exact metric liters.
Exact multiplication formulas and constants
Fluid volume conversion relies on standard legal definitions established by international metrology organizations. Using the correct constant prevents cumulative volume errors when sizing large tanks or batches.
Use these exact formulas to convert between liters and gallons:
- Liters to US Liquid Gallons: Gallons = Liters × 0.264172 (or Liters ÷ 3.78541)
- Liters to UK Imperial Gallons: Gallons = Liters × 0.219969 (or Liters ÷ 4.54609)
- US Liquid Gallons to Liters: Liters = Gallons × 3.78541
- UK Imperial Gallons to Liters: Liters = Gallons × 4.54609
Comprehensive 1 to 1000 liter conversion reference table
The reference table below displays exact fluid conversions across standard metric container capacities, ranging from small beverage containers to industrial bulk storage vessels.
| Metric Volume (Liters) | US Liquid Gallons | UK Imperial Gallons | Cubic Inches (in³) | Typical Container Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 L | 0.264 gal | 0.220 gal | 61.02 in³ | Water bottle / Lab flask |
| 2 L | 0.528 gal | 0.440 gal | 122.05 in³ | Soda bottle |
| 5 L | 1.321 gal | 1.100 gal | 305.12 in³ | Chemical jug / Small stockpot |
| 10 L | 2.642 gal | 2.200 gal | 610.24 in³ | Utility bucket / Carboy |
| 20 L | 5.283 gal | 4.399 gal | 1,220.47 in³ | Jerrycan / Brewing bucket |
| 25 L | 6.604 gal | 5.499 gal | 1,525.59 in³ | Standard European carboy |
| 50 L | 13.209 gal | 10.998 gal | 3,051.19 in³ | Beer keg (DIN standard) |
| 100 L | 26.417 gal | 21.997 gal | 6,102.37 in³ | Small rainwater barrel |
| 200 L | 52.834 gal | 43.994 gal | 12,204.75 in³ | Standard metric chemical drum |
| 208.2 L | 55.000 gal | 45.797 gal | 12,705.00 in³ | Standard US 55-gallon drum |
| 500 L | 132.086 gal | 109.985 gal | 30,511.87 in³ | Agricultural feeder tank |
| 1,000 L | 264.172 gal | 219.969 gal | 61,023.74 in³ | Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) |
Practical fluid capacity worked examples
Here are two real-world examples demonstrating how to convert cylinder dimensions into both metric and imperial liquid volumes:
Example 1: Sizing a cylindrical brewing fermenter. A stainless steel fermenter has a radius of 20 cm and a height of 40 cm. First, calculate the cylinder volume: V = π × 20² × 40 = 50,265.48 cm³. Dividing by 1,000 gives 50.27 liters. To find US liquid gallons, multiply 50.27 by 0.264172 to get 13.28 US gallons.
Example 2: Sizing an industrial bulk storage tote. A large vertical storage cylinder holds 1,000 liters of liquid fertilizer. In the United States, this equals 1,000 × 0.264172 = 264.17 US gallons. In the United Kingdom or Canada, the same tank equals 1,000 × 0.219969 = 219.97 UK imperial gallons.
Related conversion guides and specialized drum tools
If your project involves specialized imperial containers such as 55-gallon oil drums, military jerrycans, or vehicle fuel tanks, visit our dedicated Gallons to Liters Drum and Tank Guide for detailed imperial standards and tank sizing rules.
Temperature effects on liquid volume conversion
While geometric volume conversion factors (0.264172 US gallons per liter) are mathematically exact, physical liquids expand and contract with temperature.
In commercial petroleum and chemical distribution, liquids are legally measured and converted at standard reference temperatures (typically 15 degrees Celsius or 60 degrees Fahrenheit). Warm gasoline expands by roughly 0.1 percent per degree Celsius rise, meaning a 1,000-liter delivery loaded at 25°C occupies slightly more physical gallon space than the same fuel measured at 15°C.
For standard water storage, brewing, and domestic tanks, temperature expansion is minimal and standard conversion constants apply directly.
To view full metric to imperial conversion factors for all liquid and solid units, see our volume unit conversion guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many US gallons are in one single liter?
There are exactly 0.264172 US liquid gallons in 1 liter. To convert liters to US gallons, multiply the liter value by 0.264172 or divide by 3.78541.
How do you convert liters to UK imperial gallons?
To convert liters to UK imperial gallons, multiply by 0.219969 or divide by 4.54609. A UK imperial gallon is approximately 20% larger than a US liquid gallon.
What is the formula to convert US gallons back into liters?
To convert US gallons to liters, multiply the gallon figure by 3.78541. For example, 10 US gallons equals 37.854 liters.
How many liters fit inside a standard 55-gallon drum?
A standard US 55-gallon shipping drum holds 208.2 liters of liquid when filled to nominal capacity.
Why do US and UK gallons give different liter values?
The US gallon is based on Queen Anne's wine gallon of 231 cubic inches (3.785 L), while the UK imperial gallon is defined as 10 pounds of water (277.42 cubic inches, or 4.546 L).