Cubic Meters to Gallons
Type a value in either box to convert between cubic meters and gallons. The factor is 264.172.
| Cubic Meters | Gallons |
|---|---|
| 1 m³ | 264.172052 gal |
| 2 m³ | 528.344105 gal |
| 3 m³ | 792.516157 gal |
| 5 m³ | 1320.860262 gal |
| 10 m³ | 2641.720524 gal |
| 25 m³ | 6604.301309 gal |
| 50 m³ | 13208.602618 gal |
| 100 m³ | 26417.205236 gal |
How to use
- Enter a value in the Cubic Meters field.
- The Gallons figure appears immediately — no button to press.
- Typing in the Gallons field converts back to Cubic Meters the same way.
- Use the reference table for the values that come up most often.
Cubic Meters to Gallons formula
Converting cubic meters to gallons is a single multiplication by 264.172052.
gal = m³ × 264.172052
Why this factor: the cubic meter and the gallon are both defined against the liter, so dividing one definition by the other gives 264.172052 directly. Both definitions are set out in full below.
To go the other way, divide by 264.172052 — or use the Gallons to Cubic Meters converter, which is the same calculation reversed.
Worked example
Take 2 m³ and multiply by the factor 264.172052: the result is 528.344105 gal.
2 m³ × 264.172052 = 528.344105 gal
The converter above does this for any value you type, in either direction.
What is a cubic meter?
A cubic meter is the SI unit of volume — the space in a one-meter cube.
Definition: Derived directly from the meter. Exactly 1,000 liters.
Where it is used: Freight and shipping volume, concrete and timber quantities, natural gas metering, and HVAC airflow.
What is a gallon?
A US liquid gallon is the standard large-volume unit in the United States.
Definition: Defined as exactly 231 cubic inches, which works out to exactly 3.785411784 liters.
Where it is used: Fuel sales, milk and beverage containers, and paint in the US.
Worth knowing: The imperial gallon used in the UK and Canada is about 20% larger, at 4.54609 L — so 'miles per gallon' figures are not comparable between the two.
Cubic Meters vs Gallons
The cubic meter is an SI unit while the gallon is a US customary unit. That is why the factor between them is not a round number: the two systems were defined independently and only later tied together by exact agreement.
Frequently asked questions
How many gallons are in a cubic meter?
One cubic meter equals 264.172052 gallons.
What is the formula to convert cubic meters to gallons?
Multiply the number of cubic meters by 264.172052. To reverse it, divide by 264.172052 instead.
How do I convert gallons back to cubic meters?
Divide by 264.172052, which is the same as multiplying by 0.00378541178.
How many gallons are in 10 cubic meters?
10 m³ works out to 2641.720524 gal.
Is there anything to watch out for with gallons?
The imperial gallon used in the UK and Canada is about 20% larger, at 4.54609 L — so 'miles per gallon' figures are not comparable between the two.
How is the cubic meter defined?
Derived directly from the meter. Exactly 1,000 liters.