When it comes to fuel efficiency, different regions and industries use different units of measurement. Liters per 100 kilometers (L/100km) and miles per gallon (mpg) are two common ways of expressing fuel efficiency. While liters per 100 kilometers is primarily used in countries that follow the metric system (such as much of Europe), miles per gallon is typically used in countries like the United States and the UK.

Understanding how to convert between these two units can be incredibly useful, especially if you’re comparing fuel efficiency across countries or regions. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to convert liters per 100 kilometers (L/100km) to miles per gallon (mpg), and vice versa.

Why Convert Liters per 100 Kilometers to Miles per Gallon?

Knowing how to convert between L/100km and mpg is helpful for:

• Comparing fuel economy between different countries or regions that use different measurement systems.
• Car manufacturers and consumers who may encounter fuel economy data in different units.
• Environmental research, where fuel efficiency standards vary across regions, but a global comparison is often needed.

Conversion Formula: Liters per 100 Kilometers to Miles per Gallon

The relationship between liters per 100 kilometers (L/100km) and miles per gallon (mpg) is based on the conversion between liters and gallons, as well as kilometers and miles.

• 1 liter = 0.264172 gallons (US gallon)
• 1 kilometer = 0.621371 miles

To convert from L/100km to mpg, you use the following formula:

Miles per Gallon (mpg) = 235.214583 / Liters per 100 kilometers (L/100km)

This formula works because it combines the inverse of the conversion factors for liters to gallons and kilometers to miles, and the 235.214583 is derived from these ratios.

Step-by-Step Guide: Converting Liters per 100 Kilometers to Miles per Gallon

1. Identify the number of liters per 100 kilometers (L/100km) that you want to convert.
2. Divide 235.214583 by the value of L/100km.
3. The result will give you the equivalent fuel efficiency in miles per gallon (mpg).

Example 1: Converting 8 Liters per 100 Kilometers to Miles per Gallon

Let’s say you have a car that consumes 8 liters per 100 kilometers and you want to convert it to miles per gallon:

Miles per Gallon (mpg) = 235.214583 / 8 = 29.4 mpg

So, 8 liters per 100 kilometers equals 29.4 miles per gallon.

Example 2: Converting 5 Liters per 100 Kilometers to Miles per Gallon

Now, let’s convert 5 liters per 100 kilometers to miles per gallon:

Miles per Gallon (mpg) = 235.214583 / 5 = 47.04 mpg

So, 5 liters per 100 kilometers equals 47.04 miles per gallon.

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Liters per 100 Kilometers vs Miles per Gallon: Key Differences

Unit	Description	Use
Liters per 100 Kilometers (L/100km)	A metric measurement of fuel consumption, indicating how many liters of fuel a vehicle uses to travel 100 kilometers.	Common in most countries that use the metric system, such as Europe, Canada, and Australia.
Miles per Gallon (mpg)	A unit that measures how many miles a vehicle can travel per gallon of fuel. 1 mpg = 1 mile per 1 gallon.	Used primarily in the United States and the UK to measure fuel efficiency.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many miles per gallon is 6 liters per 100 kilometers?

To convert 6 liters per 100 kilometers to miles per gallon:

Miles per Gallon (mpg) = 235.214583 / 6 = 39.2 mpg

So, 6 liters per 100 kilometers equals 39.2 miles per gallon.

2. Why is the conversion factor 235.214583?

The factor 235.214583 is derived from the ratio of 1 liter = 0.264172 gallons and 1 kilometer = 0.621371 miles. By combining these ratios, you get the factor used for converting fuel efficiency from L/100km to mpg.

3. How do I convert from miles per gallon to liters per 100 kilometers?

To convert from miles per gallon (mpg) to liters per 100 kilometers (L/100km), you use the reverse formula:

Liters per 100 kilometers (L/100km) = 235.214583 / Miles per Gallon (mpg)

For example, if you have a fuel efficiency of 30 mpg, you would calculate:

L/100km = 235.214583 / 30 = 7.84 L/100km

4. Is this conversion accurate for both US and UK gallons?

This conversion is based on the US gallon, which is 3.785 liters. The UK gallon (also known as the imperial gallon) is 4.54609 liters, so if you’re working with UK gallons, you would need a different conversion factor.

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Quick Conversion Table

Here’s a quick reference table for converting liters per 100 kilometers (L/100km) to miles per gallon (mpg):

Liters per 100 Kilometers (L/100km)	Miles per Gallon (mpg)
5	47.04
6	39.2
7	33.6
8	29.4
9	26.12
10	23.52
12	19.60
15	15.68
20	11.76

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Final Thoughts

Converting liters per 100 kilometers to miles per gallon is an essential skill for comparing fuel efficiency in different regions or measurement systems. With the simple formula of 235.214583 / L/100km, you can quickly convert between these two units and better understand fuel economy. Whether you’re reviewing car specifications, comparing environmental standards, or simply trying to understand fuel consumption in your region, this conversion is a valuable tool to have.