How Many Gallons Are in a Barrel of Oil: Gallons to Barrels and Barrels to Gallons

Conversion of gallons to barrels of oil and barrels of oil to gallons is a relatively easy one because both gallons and barrels are units of volume, making their conversion relatively easy. We say relatively easy since deep down, a barrel is not only a unit of volume but a unit of volume under certain conditions.

Not to mention that the unit "barrel" was and still is used for measuring volume and that there are "dry barrels", "fluid barrels", "oil barrels", etc. In this article, we are discussing the "oil barrel".

Gallons to Oil Barrels and Oil Barrels to Gallons Conversion Calculators

In order to convert gallons to oil barrels and oil barrels to gallons, feel free to use this conversion calculator - write the value that You have and click 'Calculate' to convert it:

Conversion Formulas

Gallons are a non-SI measure of volume, with two different units - US Gallon and Imperial Gallon:

1 US Gallon = 128 US Fluid Ounces (fl oz) = 3.78541 liters → 1 liter = 0.26417 US Gallon

1 Imp Gallon = 160 Imp Fluid Ounces = 4.54609 liters → 1 liter = 0.219969 Imp Gallon

Actually, 1 US gallon is defined as having exactly:

1 US gallon = 3.785411784 liters

Also, an oil barrel (or barrel of oil) is a non-SI measure of volume, defined as:

1 oil barrel = 42 US gallons

Hence, one oil barrel equals:

1 oil barrel = 42 US gallons = 158.987294928 liters = 34.97231575 Imp gallons

Or, for short:

1 oil barrel = 42 US gallons ≈ 35 Imp gallons ≈ 159 liters

However, one also should mention that the standard oil barrel is the amount of oil that at a standard pressure of 101.325 kPa and temperature of 60°F (15.6 °C) occupies a volume of exactly 1 oil barrel - this is important when trading with oil, however, not all oil types expand or shrink equally as the temperature and pressure increase or decrease.

But, for most of us, it is important to remember that 1 barrel of oil equals 42 US gallons, which is a little less than 159 liters.

Thus, in order to convert volume given in gallons into volume barrels of oil and vice versa, use this formula:

1 oil barrel = 42 US gallons = 34.97231575 Imp gallons

And forget about pressures, temperatures, oil density, and similar.

Gallons to Oil Barrels and Oil Barrels to Gallons Conversion Examples

If You have 4.7 gallons (US/Imp) that would be:

Volume_{(oil barrels)} = 4.7 / 42 = 0.1119047 barrels of oil

Volume_{(oil barrels)} = 4.7 / 34.97231575 = 0.13439201 barrels of oil

Similarly:

• 1000 US Gallons = 23.809 barrels of oil
• 500 Imp Gallons = 14.297 barrels of oil
• 20 barrels of oil = 840 US gallons = 699.44 Imp gallons

etc.

For more values, feel free to check the "Gallons to Oil Barrels and Oil Barrels to Gallons Conversion Table" right after the "Brief Introduction to Gallons and Barrels" section.

Brief Introduction to Gallons and Barrels

Gallons and barrels are units of measurement commonly associated with liquids, particularly in industries like oil, beverages, and water management.

Their historical development, modern applications, and practical distinctions make them essential tools in both commerce and everyday life.

History of Gallons and Barrels

The Gallon: Origins and Standardization

The gallon’s origins trace back to medieval England, where it emerged as a measure of liquid volume. Initially, the gallon was not a single standard unit but a collection of measures, including the wine gallon, ale gallon, and corn gallon, each tailored to specific products.

In 1824, the British Imperial System unified these variations, defining the Imperial gallon as 10 pounds of water at 62°F, approximately 4.546 liters. In the United States, the gallon retained its earlier definition based on the wine gallon, equating to 3.785 liters. These differences highlight the divergence between the British Imperial and U.S. customary systems.

The Barrel: From Trade to Industry

The concept of the barrel as a unit of measurement originated in medieval Europe, where wooden barrels were widely used for storage and transportation. The size of a barrel often depended on its contents—wine, ale, oil, or other goods—leading to significant regional and product-based variations.

In modern times, specific definitions of the barrel have been adopted for different industries. For instance:

• In the oil industry, a standard barrel (abbreviated "bbl") equals 42 U.S. gallons.
• For beverages, such as beer, a standard beer barrel in the U.S. is 31 gallons.

These standardized measures have become essential in global trade and industrial processes.

Today’s Use of Gallons and Barrels

Gallons

Gallons remain a fundamental unit of measurement for liquids in non-metric countries like the United States and the UK. Common applications include:

• Fuel: Gasoline is sold by the gallon in the U.S.
• Water: Household water usage is often measured in gallons.
• Food and Beverage: Recipes and product packaging frequently specify gallons or fractions thereof.

Barrels

Barrels have specific uses tied to industry and commerce, including:

• Oil and Energy: The barrel is a key unit in the global oil market. Crude oil and refined products are traded in barrels, with prices often quoted per barrel.
• Alcoholic Beverages: Beer production and sales frequently use the barrel as a measure, particularly in breweries and distribution.
• Shipping and Storage: Certain goods are transported in barrels due to their historical association with bulk storage.

Comparing Gallons and Barrels

The relationship between gallons and barrels depends on the industry:

• Oil: One oil barrel equals 42 U.S. gallons.
• Beer: A beer barrel equals 31 U.S. gallons.
• Water and Miscellaneous Liquids: In general contexts, barrels are often converted into gallons for ease of understanding.

While the gallon is a more granular unit suited for smaller-scale applications, the barrel provides a convenient measure for large quantities, particularly in industrial contexts.

The Cultural and Practical Impact of Gallons and Barrels

Both gallons and barrels are deeply woven into economic and cultural frameworks:

• The gallon is a familiar measure in American households, underpinning activities from filling gas tanks to measuring rainfall.
• The barrel, with its roots in historic trade, has become a symbol of industrial power, particularly in the oil industry, where fluctuations in barrel prices can influence global markets.

Despite the increasing adoption of the metric system in many parts of the world, gallons and barrels persist as vital units in regions where tradition and practicality align.

Gallons to Oil Barrels and Oil Barrels to Gallons Conversion Table

Here is a gallons to oil barrels and oil barrels to gallons quick conversion table to aid You with units' conversions:

For more values, please, use the conversion calculators.