Fuel Economy Unit Converter
L/100km = 235.215 ÷ MPG Imp
MPG Imp = 235.215 ÷ L/100km
What does this mean?
MPG Imp (miles per gallon) is used in the US. L/100km is used in most other countries. Lower L/100km is better; higher MPG Imp is better.
This conversion uses the standard factor of 235.215.
How it works
Converting fuel economy units doesn't require a math degree! In the United States, we measure efficiency with Miles Per Gallon (MPG Imp). This tells you how far you can drive on one gallon of gas. Most of the rest of the world, including Canada and Europe, uses Liters per 100 Kilometers (L/100km). Instead of measuring distance per unit of fuel, they measure fuel used per a set distance.
To jump between them, we use the "magic number" 235.215. This factor accounts for the conversion between miles and kilometers and between liters and liters.
- To get L/100km: Divide 235.215 by your MPG Imp number. (For example, 235.215 ÷ 30 MPG Imp = 7.84 L/100km)
- To get MPG Imp: Divide 235.215 by your L/100km number. (For example, 235.215 ÷ 8 L/100km = 29.4 MPG Imp)
Why it matters
Understanding these units is crucial for anyone renting a car abroad, moving to a new country, or comparing international vehicle specs. If you’re used to seeing 30 or 40 MPG Imp, seeing a "6.5" on a dashboard in Canada or Germany might look scary—but that’s actually excellent fuel economy (about 36 MPG Imp)! According to the U.S. Department of Energy, driving a vehicle that gets just 5 MPG Imp more than your current car can save you thousands of dollars over the life of the vehicle.
By using this converter, you can accurately compare cars from different markets. For instance, if you are looking at a European car rated at 5.5 L/100km, you’ll quickly see that it hits 42.7 MPG Imp—putting it in the "super efficient" category. Whether you are a car enthusiast or just a savvy traveler, being "unit-fluent" helps you make better choices for your wallet and the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is lower L/100km better?
Since L/100km measures how much fuel you consume to go a certain distance, a lower number means you are using less gas. In the MPG Imp system, a higher number is better because it means you're going further on the same amount of gas. It's just two different ways of looking at the same thing: efficiency.
Do the US and UK use the same gallon?
No! This is a common trap for international travelers. A US Gallon is 3.78 liters, while a UK (Imperial) Gallon is 4.54 liters—about 20% larger. This tool uses the US Standard conversion (235.215), which is the benchmark for most global automotive comparisons and the standard for cars sold in North America.
What is a 'good' L/100km rating?
Generally, anything under 6.0 L/100km is considered very efficient (hybrid territory). Ratings between 7.0 and 9.0 are average for modern sedans, while numbers above 12.0 L/100km usually indicate a thirsty SUV or truck that will cost much more to operate daily.