Fuel Efficiency Converter — L/100km, MPG

Notes

This converter uses the common relation between L/100km and MPG (US). Use it to compare vehicle fuel economy across regions.

Fuel efficiency is reported in different formats around the world: liters per 100 kilometers (L/100km) is common in many countries, while miles per gallon (MPG) is used in the United States and the United Kingdom (with different gallon definitions). Understanding how to convert between these units is crucial for comparing vehicle performance, estimating fuel costs and planning trips.

Conversion basics: L/100km is an inverse measure (lower is better) while MPG is a direct measure (higher is better). The rough conversion between US MPG and L/100km is: L/100km ≈ 235.214583 / MPG (US). For example, a car rated at 30 MPG (US) corresponds to about 7.84 L/100km. Differences in testing protocols (city vs. highway cycles) and local reporting mean that numbers from different regions are not always directly comparable without context.

Practical examples and use cases: fleet managers convert between units when comparing international vehicle data or estimating fuel budgets across markets. Consumers checking used-car listings in other countries will convert efficiency figures to familiar units to make informed choices. For trip planning, convert fuel economy into expected fuel use by multiplying the distance by the appropriate L/100km or dividing by MPG to estimate gallons needed.

Tips for accurate comparisons: always confirm which MPG standard is used (US gallon vs imperial gallon) and whether figures are combined, city or highway. When calculating costs, convert fuel volume to your local currency and price per liter/gallon. For electric or hybrid vehicles, look for manufacturer-provided equivalents or use energy-based comparisons.

Historical note: fuel economy measurements became standardized as automobile production and consumer information advanced in the 20th century. Regulatory test cycles evolved to provide repeatable conditions; however, real-world efficiency depends on driving style, load and maintenance. This converter is a practical tool to harmonize figures for shopping, research and operational planning.