Mass per volume density.
Pounds per Gallon to Drams per Gallon Converter — lb/gal to dr/gal
Convert Pound per Gallon (lb/gal) to Dram per Gallon (dr/gal) using the exact conversion factor (1 pound per gallon = 256 dram per gallon). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, and common uses.
Pounds per Gallon to Drams 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 119.8264273 / 0.4680719817.
Density uses kilograms per cubic meter as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Pounds per Gallon to Drams per Gallon
Pound per Gallon and Dram 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. Pound per Gallon is most often used for us paint and coatings density specifications.
Formula
drams per gallon = pounds per gallon × 256
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 pound per gallon equals 119.826427317 base units, and 1 dram per gallon equals 0.468071981707 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct pound per gallon-to-dram per gallon factor of 256.
Simple example
1 lb/gal × 256 = 256 dr/gal
1 pound per gallon = 256 drams per gallon.
Real-world example
1,000 lb/gal × 256 = 256,000 dr/gal
1,000 pounds per gallon = 256,000 drams per gallon.
Conversion table
| Pound per Gallon (lb/gal) | Dram per Gallon (dr/gal) |
|---|---|
| 0.1 lb/gal | 25.6 dr/gal |
| 1 lb/gal | 256 dr/gal |
| 10 lb/gal | 2,560 dr/gal |
| 100 lb/gal | 25,600 dr/gal |
| 1,000 lb/gal | 256,000 dr/gal |
| 10,000 lb/gal | 2,560,000 dr/gal |
Reverse conversion: Dram per Gallon to Pound per Gallon
256 dr/gal × 0.00390625 = 1 lb/gal
256 drams per gallon = 1 pound per gallon.
pounds per gallon = drams per gallon × 0.00390625
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Dram per Gallon to Pound per Gallon.
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
Understanding the Dram per Gallon (dr/gal)
Mass per volume density.
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 drams per gallon are in 1 pound per gallon?
1 pound per gallon equals 256 drams per gallon, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert pound per gallon to dram per gallon?
Multiply the pound per gallon value by 256. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert dram per gallon back to pound per gallon?
Use the reverse factor: 1 dram per gallon equals 0.00390625 pounds per gallon. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
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.
What is a dram per gallon?
Dram per Gallon (dr/gal) is a unit of density.
Is the pound per gallon to dram per gallon conversion exact?
Yes. Both pound per gallon and dram per gallon are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 256 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.
Where is the pound per gallon still used today?
United States (paint, fuel, and industrial liquid density specifications)