Mass per volume density.
Pounds per Cup to Pounds per Gallon Converter — lb/cup to lb/gal
Convert Pound per Cup (lb/cup) to Pound per Gallon (lb/gal) using the exact conversion factor (1 pound per cup = 16 pound per gallon). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, and common uses.
Pounds per Cup to Pounds per Gallon converter
Converter
Density Converter
Convert thousands of mass-per-volume density combinations for science, engineering, agriculture, and fluids.
Context values
Some unit families need one extra value for a physically accurate result.
Mass per volume density.
Result = input x 1917.222837 / 119.8264273.
Density uses kilograms per cubic meter as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Pounds per Cup to Pounds per Gallon
Pound per Cup and Pound per Gallon both measure density — mass per unit volume — a property used to identify materials, check manufacturing quality, and predict whether something floats or sinks. As a fixed reference point, water has a density of exactly 1000 kg/m³ (1 g/cm³, 1 g/mL) at its temperature of maximum density, which is why many density figures in science and engineering are quoted relative to water. Both are mass per volume density units.
Formula
pounds per gallon = pounds per cup × 16
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 pound per cup equals 1917.22283707 base units, and 1 pound per gallon equals 119.826427317 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct pound per cup-to-pound per gallon factor of 16.
Simple example
1 lb/cup × 16 = 16 lb/gal
1 pound per cup = 16 pounds per gallon.
Real-world example
1,000 lb/cup × 16 = 16,000 lb/gal
1,000 pounds per cup = 16,000 pounds per gallon.
Conversion table
| Pound per Cup (lb/cup) | Pound per Gallon (lb/gal) |
|---|---|
| 0.1 lb/cup | 1.6 lb/gal |
| 1 lb/cup | 16 lb/gal |
| 10 lb/cup | 160 lb/gal |
| 100 lb/cup | 1,600 lb/gal |
| 1,000 lb/cup | 16,000 lb/gal |
| 10,000 lb/cup | 160,000 lb/gal |
Reverse conversion: Pound per Gallon to Pound per Cup
16 lb/gal × 0.0625 = 1 lb/cup
16 pounds per gallon = 1 pound per cup.
pounds per cup = pounds per gallon × 0.0625
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Pound per Gallon to Pound per Cup.
Understanding the Pound per Cup (lb/cup)
Mass per volume density.
Understanding the Pound per Gallon
Pound per Gallon (lb/gal) measures density. The US customary unit for liquid density, based on the US gallon (231 cubic inches). It is classified as a US customary density unit.
Where it's used: United States (paint, fuel, and industrial liquid density specifications)
lb/gal vs. lb/ft³. Both are US customary density units; they're related through the real, fixed relationship between the US gallon and the cubic foot (1 cubic foot ≈ 7.48 US gallons), not a round conversion factor.
Uses of the Pound per Gallon today
- US paint and coatings density specifications
- US fuel and petroleum liquid density specs
- Industrial liquid handling and shipping weight calculations
Pound per Gallon — sources
- NIST Handbook 44 — General tables of units including US customary density measures.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many pounds per gallon are in 1 pound per cup?
1 pound per cup equals 16 pounds per gallon, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert pound per cup to pound per gallon?
Multiply the pound per cup value by 16. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert pound per gallon back to pound per cup?
Use the reverse factor: 1 pound per gallon equals 0.0625 pounds per cup. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a pound per cup?
Pound per Cup (lb/cup) is a unit of density.
What is a pound per gallon?
Pound per Gallon (lb/gal) measures density. The US customary unit for liquid density, based on the US gallon (231 cubic inches). It is classified as a US customary density unit.
Is the pound per cup to pound per gallon conversion exact?
Yes. Both pound per cup and pound per gallon are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 16 used above is exact to as many digits as you choose to display.
What is the difference between lb/gal vs. lb/ft³?
Both are US customary density units; they're related through the real, fixed relationship between the US gallon and the cubic foot (1 cubic foot ≈ 7.48 US gallons), not a round conversion factor.