How this calculator works
A gallon is a volume and a ton is a mass, so the density of the liquid connects them. A US gallon is exactly 3.785411784 L and an imperial gallon 4.54609 L. There are also three different tons: the US short ton of 2,000 pounds, or exactly 907.18474 kg; the long ton of 2,240 pounds, or 1,016.0469088 kg; and the metric tonne of exactly 1,000 kg. The page converts through kilograms and shows all three, so a quotation in any ton system can be checked. One US gallon of water weighs 8.34540 lb, which is 0.00417270 short tons.
Formula
mass in kg = gallons x gallon volume in m3 x density in kg/m3. short tons = kg / 907.18474. long tons = kg / 1,016.0469088. tonnes = kg / 1,000. gallons = mass in kg / (density x gallon volume).
Worked example
1 US gal of water is 3.78541 kg, or 0.00417270 short tons, 0.00372563 long tons and 0.00378541 tonnes. 1,000 US gal of water is 4.17270 short tons. 1 imperial gallon of diesel at 830 kg/m3 is 3.77326 kg, or 0.00415929 short tons. 100 short tons of water is 23,965 US gal.
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Frequently asked questions
Which ton does this page mean?
All three are computed and shown. The US short ton is 2,000 lb and is standard in North American trade. The long ton is 2,240 lb and is used in some shipping contexts. The metric tonne is 1,000 kg and is standard in most of the world.
Why is a ton not a volume?
A ton measures mass, while a gallon measures volume. The density of the liquid decides how much volume one ton fills, so the same ton of water and of gasoline occupy very different volumes.
How much does a gallon of water weigh in tons?
One US gallon of water is 3.78541 kg, which is 0.00417270 short tons, 0.00372563 long tons or 0.00378541 metric tonnes.
Does temperature change the answer?
Yes, slightly. Liquids expand when warmed, so a gallon weighs a little less when hot. Fuel densities in particular move with temperature and blend, so enter the supplier density for a precise trade figure.