Convert Liters per 100 Kilometers to Miles per Gallon - Fuel Economy Converter
This converter transforms fuel consumption expressed in liters per 100 kilometres (L/100 km) into miles per gallon (US). It is intended for drivers, fleet managers, and engineers who need a precise, standards-based conversion between metric and customary fuel-economy units.
The conversion relies on internationally recognised unit definitions (SI) and the US liquid gallon definition. For guidance on testing procedures and official labelling, consult national guidance from agencies such as the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Governance
Record 5e22cd854d65 • Reviewed by Fidamen Standards Committee
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Methodology
We convert distance and volume using fixed unit relationships: 100 kilometres = 62.137119 miles (based on 1 mile = 1.609344 km) and 1 US liquid gallon = 3.785411784 litres. Combining those constants yields a single conversion constant.
For US miles per gallon the direct relationship is: MPG (US) = 235.214583 ÷ (L/100 km). The constant 235.214583 is derived from (100 km × miles-per-km) × litres-per-gallon and is consistent with NIST and DOE unit definitions.
Be aware there are two common MPG conventions: US (liquid gallon) and Imperial (UK) gallon. Use the appropriate conversion for the gallon definition required by your context or regulation.
Worked examples
Example 1: 5.0 L/100 km → 235.214583 ÷ 5.0 = 47.04 mpg (US).
Example 2: 6.5 L/100 km → 235.214583 ÷ 6.5 = 36.19 mpg (US).
Note: For Imperial gallons, use the Imperial constant ≈ 282.480936 (Imperial mpg = 282.480936 ÷ L/100 km).
F.A.Q.
Which gallon does this converter use?
This converter uses the US liquid gallon (1 US gal = 3.785411784 L). If you need Imperial (UK) mpg, use the Imperial constant (different gallon definition) or switch to a converter configured for Imperial mpg.
Why is there a single constant (235.214583)?
The constant comes from combining exact unit relationships (100 km → miles and litres → US gallons). Using the constant is mathematically equivalent to performing the two unit conversions separately and is the standard approach used by regulatory bodies and technical references.
How many decimals should I report?
Display precision depends on context: consumer-facing displays commonly show one or two decimals; engineering or regulatory reports may use three or more. Rounding should reflect instrument accuracy and measurement uncertainty.
Will this match my car’s trip computer?
Trip computers use the vehicle’s fuel-flow sensor and distance measurement; they may apply smoothing algorithms and display rounded values. Small differences can arise due to sensor calibration, driving cycles, and rounding. For regulatory comparisons, use official test-cycle values published by agencies.
Are environmental conditions or test cycles relevant?
Yes. Official fuel economy figures are produced under standardized laboratory or on-road test cycles defined by regulatory agencies. Real-world fuel use varies with temperature, load, tyre pressure, driving style, and other factors.
How accurate is the conversion?
The mathematical conversion using the defined constants is exact to the precision of the constants. Real-world accuracy depends on how the L/100 km value was measured and the precision of instruments; consider measurement uncertainty when reporting results.
Sources & citations
- NIST: Guide for the Use of the International System of Units (SI) — https://www.nist.gov
- U.S. Department of Energy – Fuel Economy and Vehicle Technologies — https://www.energy.gov/eere/vehicles
- FuelEconomy.gov – How are MPG and fuel economy determined? — https://www.fueleconomy.gov
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Fuel Economy Testing and Labeling — https://www.epa.gov
- ISO – International Organization for Standardization (units and measurement standards) — https://www.iso.org
- ISO 80000-3:2019 — Space and time — https://www.iso.org/standard/64974.html
- NIST SP 811 — Guide for the Use of the International System of Units — https://www.nist.gov/pml/special-publication-811
Further resources
Related tools
Versioning & Change Control
Audit record (versions, QA runs, reviewer sign-off, and evidence).
Record ID: 5e22cd854d65What changed (latest)
v1.0.0 • 2025-11-16 • MINOR
Initial publication and governance baseline.
Why: Published with reviewed formulas, unit definitions, and UX controls.
Public QA status
PASS — golden 25 + edge 120
Last run: 2026-01-23 • Run: golden-edge-2026-01-23
Versioning & Change Control
Audit record (versions, QA runs, reviewer sign-off, and evidence).
What changed (latest)
v1.0.0 • 2025-11-16 • MINOR
Initial publication and governance baseline.
Why: Published with reviewed formulas, unit definitions, and UX controls.
Public QA status
PASS — golden 25 + edge 120
Last run: 2026-01-23 • Run: golden-edge-2026-01-23
Engine
v1.0.0
Data
Baseline (no external datasets)
Content
v1.0.0
UI
v1.0.0
Governance
Last updated: Nov 16, 2025
Reviewed by: Fidamen Standards Committee (Review board)
Credentials: Internal QA
Risk level: low
Reviewer profile (entity)
Fidamen Standards Committee
Review board
Internal QA
Entity ID: https://fidamen.com/reviewers/fidamen-standards-committee#person
Semantic versioning
- MAJOR: Calculation outputs can change for the same inputs (formula, rounding policy, assumptions).
- MINOR: New features or fields that do not change existing outputs for the same inputs.
- PATCH: Bug fixes, copy edits, or accessibility changes that do not change intended outputs except for previously incorrect cases.
Review protocol
- Verify formulas and unit definitions against primary standards or datasets.
- Run golden-case regression suite and edge-case suite.
- Record reviewer sign-off with credentials and scope.
- Document assumptions, limitations, and jurisdiction applicability.
Assumptions & limitations
- Uses exact unit definitions from the Fidamen conversion library.
- Internal calculations use double precision; display rounding follows the unit's configured decimal places.
- Not a substitute for calibrated instruments in regulated contexts.
- Jurisdiction-specific rules may require official guidance.
Change log
v1.0.0 • 2025-11-16 • MINOR
Initial publication and governance baseline.
Why: Published with reviewed formulas, unit definitions, and UX controls.
Areas: engine, content, ui • Reviewer: Fidamen Standards Committee • Entry ID: 651a25d8e5b4
