Why is the conversion backwards (lower L/100km is better, higher mpg is better)?

Mpg measures distance per gallon (higher is better—you go further). L/100km measures consumption per distance (lower is better—you use less). Opposite metrics.

I see a car rated 35 mpg in the US and another rated 7 L/100km in Europe. Which is more efficient?

They're equivalent! 35 mpg = 6.7 L/100km. The European car at 7 L/100km is slightly less efficient. Always convert to compare.

Is the conversion factor always 235.214583?

This factor is for US gallons. For imperial gallons (UK): use 282.48. Always check—the difference matters. See [MPG to km/L](/fuel/mpg-to-kml/) for another perspective.

My car gets 5 L/100km. What's that in mpg?

235.214583 ÷ 5 = 47 mpg. Very efficient. To reverse: divide 235 by the mpg value.

Miles Per Gallon (MPG) to Liters Per 100 km Converter

Enter a value to instantly convert between fuel economy units.

From

Precision4 dp

1 MPG (US) = 235.2146 Liters per 100km

Key Formulas

MPG (US) → Liters per 100km

L/100km = mpg × 235.215

Liters per 100km → MPG (US)

mpg = L/100km × 235.215

Km per Liter → MPG (US)

mpg = km/L × 2.35215

MPG (US) → Km per Liter

km/L = mpg × 0.425144

Formula

L/100km = 235.214583 ÷ mpg

MPG (miles per gallon) is used in the US and UK to rate fuel efficiency—higher is better. Liters per 100 km (L/100km) is the global standard used in Europe, Australia, and most of the world—lower is better. This inverse relationship confuses many people. The conversion factor depends on which gallon you're using (US vs imperial).

Source: NIST SP 811, Table B.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Real-World Examples

Average sedan. A typical 25 mpg car consumes 9.4 L/100km. Good efficiency for most drivers.

25 mpg = 9.4 L/100km

Efficient hybrid. A hybrid at 35 mpg uses 6.7 L/100km. Very good in both systems.

35 mpg = 6.7 L/100km

SUV or truck. A larger vehicle at 15 mpg consumes 15.7 L/100km (poor efficiency).

15 mpg = 15.7 L/100km

High-efficiency hybrid or small car. 50 mpg = 4.7 L/100km. Excellent efficiency.

50 mpg = 4.7 L/100km

l per 100km to mpg kml to mpg mpg to kml

Miles Per Gallon (MPG) to Liters Per 100 km Converter

Key Formulas

Formula

Frequently Asked Questions

Real-World Examples

Related Converters