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Convert miles per gallon to liters per 100 kilometers instantly
Higher is better
Lower is better
L/100km = 235.215 / MPG (US)
MPG = 235.215 / L/100km
Note: This is an inverse relationship - higher MPG equals lower L/100km
| MPG (US) | L/100km |
|---|---|
| 10 MPG | 23.52 L/100km |
| 15 MPG | 15.68 L/100km |
| 20 MPG | 11.76 L/100km |
| 25 MPG | 9.41 L/100km |
| 30 MPG | 7.84 L/100km |
| 35 MPG | 6.72 L/100km |
| 40 MPG | 5.88 L/100km |
| 45 MPG | 5.23 L/100km |
| 50 MPG | 4.7 L/100km |
| 60 MPG | 3.92 L/100km |
| 70 MPG | 3.36 L/100km |
| 80 MPG | 2.94 L/100km |
Unlike MPG (miles per gallon) which measures distance per unit of fuel, L/100km measures fuel consumed per unit of distance. This creates an inverse relationship: when MPG increases (better efficiency), L/100km decreases (better efficiency). For example, improving from 20 to 40 MPG halves fuel consumption from 11.76 to 5.88 L/100km.
L/100km is the standard fuel economy measurement across Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and many other countries. It's preferred by engineers and scientists because it shows a linear relationship with fuel consumption and cost. If you travel 100 km, the L/100km figure directly tells you how many liters you'll consume.
L/100km makes fuel cost calculations straightforward. To calculate the cost of a trip: divide your distance by 100, multiply by the L/100km rating, then multiply by fuel price per liter. For example, a 500 km trip in a car rated at 7.5 L/100km with fuel at $1.50/L costs: (500/100) × 7.5 × $1.50 = $56.25.
The L/100km system aligns with the metric system and provides more intuitive fuel cost calculations. Additionally, the linear relationship makes it easier to compare fuel consumption differences. The difference between 3 L/100km and 4 L/100km represents the same consumption increase as 9 L/100km to 10 L/100km (1 liter per 100 km), whereas MPG differences are not linear.
To convert US MPG to L/100km, divide 235.215 by the MPG value. For example, 30 MPG equals 235.215 / 30 = 7.84 L/100km. Remember this is an inverse relationship, so higher MPG gives lower L/100km values.
In L/100km, lower numbers are better. Modern compact cars typically achieve 5-7 L/100km, mid-size sedans use 7-9 L/100km, and SUVs consume 8-12 L/100km. Hybrid vehicles can achieve under 4 L/100km, while performance and large vehicles may exceed 12 L/100km. Anything under 6 L/100km is considered excellent efficiency.
L/100km shows a linear relationship with fuel consumption and cost, making it more scientifically accurate for comparisons. Equal improvements in efficiency show equal reductions in L/100km, whereas MPG improvements are non-linear. For example, improving from 10 to 11 MPG saves much more fuel than improving from 40 to 41 MPG, but this isn't obvious from the MPG numbers.
No, this calculator uses US MPG. For UK (Imperial) MPG to L/100km, divide 282.481 by the UK MPG value instead of 235.215. The UK gallon is larger (4.546 liters vs 3.785 liters), so UK MPG values are about 20% higher than US MPG for the same vehicle.