Mass per volume density.
Pounds per Gallon to Pounds per Cubic Meter Converter — lb/gal to lb/m3
Convert Pound per Gallon (lb/gal) to Pound per Cubic Meter (lb/m3) using the exact conversion factor (1 pound per gallon = 264.1720524 pound per cubic meter). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, and common uses.
Pounds per Gallon to Pounds per Cubic Meter 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 / 0.45359237.
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 Pounds per Cubic Meter
Pound per Gallon and Pound per Cubic Meter 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
pounds per cubic meter = pounds per gallon × 264.172052358
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 pound per cubic meter equals 0.45359237 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct pound per gallon-to-pound per cubic meter factor of 264.172052358.
Simple example
1 lb/gal × 264.1720524 = 264.1720524 lb/m3
1 pound per gallon = 264.1720524 pounds per cubic meter.
Real-world example
1,000 lb/gal × 264.1720524 = 264,172.0524 lb/m3
1,000 pounds per gallon = 264,172.0524 pounds per cubic meter.
Conversion table
| Pound per Gallon (lb/gal) | Pound per Cubic Meter (lb/m3) |
|---|---|
| 0.1 lb/gal | 26.41720524 lb/m3 |
| 1 lb/gal | 264.1720524 lb/m3 |
| 10 lb/gal | 2,641.720524 lb/m3 |
| 100 lb/gal | 26,417.20524 lb/m3 |
| 1,000 lb/gal | 264,172.0524 lb/m3 |
| 10,000 lb/gal | 2,641,720.524 lb/m3 |
Reverse conversion: Pound per Cubic Meter to Pound per Gallon
264.1720524 lb/m3 × 0.003785411784 = 1 lb/gal
264.1720524 pounds per cubic meter = 1 pounds per gallon.
pounds per gallon = pounds per cubic meter × 0.003785411784
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Pound per Cubic Meter 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 Pound per Cubic Meter (lb/m3)
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 pounds per cubic meter are in 1 pound per gallon?
1 pound per gallon equals 264.1720524 pounds per cubic meter, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert pound per gallon to pound per cubic meter?
Multiply the pound per gallon value by 264.1720524. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert pound per cubic meter back to pound per gallon?
Use the reverse factor: 1 pound per cubic meter equals 0.0037854118 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 pound per cubic meter?
Pound per Cubic Meter (lb/m3) is a unit of density.
Is the pound per gallon to pound per cubic meter conversion exact?
Yes. Both pound per gallon and pound per cubic meter are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 264.1720524 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)