Volume Converter

Convert between different units of volume. Perfect for cooking measurements, fuel calculations, shipping volumes, and scientific applications.

Convert Volume

Quick Conversions

Results

Enter volume value and select units to convert

Conversion Path

Liter Gallon

Reference Volumes

Standard Water Bottle 500 mL (0.5 L)
Large Soda Bottle 2 L (0.53 gal)
Gas Tank (Sedan) 50 L (13.2 gal)

Volume Conversion Factors

Liter to Gallon

1 L = 0.264172 gal

Cubic Meter to Liter

1 m³ = 1,000 L

Fluid Ounce to Milliliter

1 fl oz = 29.5735 mL

Cup to Milliliter

1 cup = 236.588 mL

Using the Volume Converter

1

Input Volume

Type your number in the main "Volume Value" box.

2

Choose Units

Select which unit you have (From) and which you need (To) from the lists.

3

View Result

The calculation happens automatically or upon clicking the button.

Volume vs. Capacity: What's the Difference?

While we often use these terms interchangeably, there's actually a subtle difference between volume and capacity.

Volume

The amount of space an object occupies, regardless of what it's filled with. Think of it as the object's "size" in three dimensions.

Capacity

The amount of substance (usually liquid) that a container can hold. It's about how much can be poured in, not the container's physical size.

For most practical purposes, especially with liquids, these measurements are essentially the same. But technically, a container's capacity might be slightly less than its volume due to the container's walls taking up space.

Cooking Measurements Around the World

Cooking is where volume measurements really matter. But what counts as a "cup" or "teaspoon" varies wildly around the world.

Country Cup Size Tablespoon Teaspoon
United States 236 mL 15 mL 5 mL
United Kingdom 284 mL 15 mL 5 mL
Australia 250 mL 20 mL 5 mL
Japan 200 mL 15 mL 5 mL

This inconsistency is why professional recipes often specify weights (grams) instead of volumes. But for home cooking, these variations usually don't make a big difference.

Beyond the Kitchen: Fuel and Shipping

Fuel Economy

Gas mileage is all about volume ratios. How many gallons of fuel does it take to travel a certain distance?

  • • US: MPG (miles per gallon)
  • • Europe: L/100km (liters per 100 km)
  • • Both measure fuel efficiency

Shipping Containers

Cargo capacity is measured in volume. How much space can you fill?

  • • Standard shipping pallet: ~1.4 m³
  • • 20-foot container: ~33 m³
  • • Oil tanker: millions of liters

Common Questions

What's the difference between US and Imperial gallons?

The US gallon (3.785 liters) is smaller than the Imperial gallon (4.546 liters) used in the UK and Canada. The US version is used for fuel economy ratings and is slightly smaller than its Imperial cousin.

Why do recipes use cups and spoons instead of milliliters?

Measuring cups and spoons are convenient household tools that don't require scales. While not as precise as weight measurements, they're perfectly adequate for most home cooking. Professional bakers prefer grams for accuracy.

How do I convert between volume and weight?

You can't directly convert volume to weight without knowing the substance's density. Water weighs about 1 gram per milliliter, but other liquids vary. For example, oil is less dense than water, so the same volume weighs less.