in³ to gal Conversion: Cubic Inch to US Gallon
Cubic inches (in³) and US gallons (gal) are both units used to measure volume, but they belong to different systems of measurement. Cubic inches are part of the imperial and US customary units, while US gallons are specifically used in the United States for liquid volume. Converting between these units is essential in various applications, including automotive engineering, fluid mechanics, and cooking.
Understanding the Units
A cubic inch is the volume of a cube with sides measuring one inch in length. The US gallon, on the other hand, is defined as 231 cubic inches. This means that one US gallon is equivalent to the volume occupied by 231 cubic inches.
Conversion Formula
The basic formula to convert cubic inches to US gallons is:
US gallons = cubic inches ÷ 231
This formula allows for straightforward conversion between the two units.
Example Calculation
Suppose you have a container with a volume of 462 cubic inches and you want to find out how many US gallons it holds:
US gallons = 462 in³ ÷ 231 = 2 gal
Practical Applications
Understanding this conversion is particularly useful in industries where components are measured in cubic inches but the capacity needs to be understood in gallons, such as in engine displacement measurements or fluid tank capacities.
Quick Reference Table
For your convenience, here is a quick reference:
- 231 in³ = 1 gal
- 462 in³ = 2 gal
- 693 in³ = 3 gal
- 924 in³ = 4 gal
- 1,155 in³ = 5 gal
Conclusion
Converting in³ to gal is a simple process once you know the conversion factor. By dividing the number of cubic inches by 231, you can easily determine the volume in US gallons. This conversion is invaluable in various practical situations where volume measurements are necessary.