How Many Cups in a Gallon

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There are 16 cups in 1 gallon (US liquid). That's 1 gal = 16 c = 8 pt = 4 qt = 128 fl oz ≈ 3.79 L.

1 gallon = 16 cups = 128 fl oz ≈ 3785.41 ml.

Gallons (gal)Cups (c)
⅛ gallon2 cups
¼ gallon4 cups
½ gallon8 cups
¾ gallon12 cups
1 gallon16 cups
2 gallons32 cups

Note: This uses US liquid measurements. Imperial and US dry volumes differ. Fluid ounces measure volume, not weight (ounces).

Interactive Converter

1 gal equals 16 c

Understanding Measurement Systems

US Liquid vs Imperial vs Dry

This calculator uses US liquid measurements, which are standard in American recipes. Here's how they differ:

  • US Liquid: 1 quart = 32 fl oz = 946.35 ml (what we use here)
  • Imperial (UK): 1 quart = 40 fl oz = 1136.52 ml (20% larger)
  • US Dry: 1 dry quart = 37.24 fl oz = 1101.22 ml (for dry goods like berries)

Most US recipes use liquid measurements even for dry ingredients like flour and sugar, which is why we focus on liquid conversions here. Note: Fluid ounces measure volume, while ounces (weight) measure mass - they're different units.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a gallon?

A US liquid gallon is 128 fluid ounces, equal to 4 quarts, 8 pints, or 16 cups (≈ 3.79 L).

How many cups are in a gallon?

There are 16 cups in 1 US gallon. This equals 4 quarts or 8 pints.

Cups to gallon?

To convert cups to gallons, divide by 16. For example: 32 cups ÷ 16 = 2 gallons.

How many cups in half a gallon?

There are 8 cups in half a gallon (½ gallon). This equals 2 quarts or 64 fluid ounces.

How many cups in a quarter gallon?

There are 4 cups in a quarter gallon (¼ gallon). This equals 1 quart or 32 fluid ounces.

Is 16 cups a gallon?

Yes, 16 cups equal exactly 1 gallon in US liquid measurements.

How to remember cups in a gallon?

Remember: 16 cups = 1 gallon. Or think: 4 cups per quart × 4 quarts per gallon = 16 cups.

How many cups are in ¾ gallon?

12 cups.

How many cups are in ⅓ gallon?

About 5⅓ cups (⅓ gal ≈ 42.67 fl oz), but ⅓ gallon isn't common in recipes.

Does this apply to UK/Imperial measurements?

No, this calculator uses US liquid measurements. Imperial and dry quarts differ.

How many cups are in 2 gallons?

32 cups. (2 gal × 16 = 32 c.)

How many milliliters in a gallon?

3,785.41 ml. (1 gal = 3.79 L = 3,785.41 ml.)

Methodology

  • • Definitions from NIST standards
  • • Decimal precision: up to 4 decimal places
  • • Fractions rounded to nearest ⅛
  • • US liquid measurements (not dry/Imperial)

Quality Assurance

Sources: US customary units per NIST standards

Reviewed by: Sarah Johnson, Professional Recipe Developer