Liters to Quarts (L to qt) Converter

Liters to Quarts Formula

To convert liters to quarts, multiply by 1.05669.

Formula: qt = L × 1.05669

For example, 2 L × 1.05669 = 2.11 qt.

The conversion factor comes from the definition of the US liquid quart as exactly 0.946352946 liters. Therefore 1 ÷ 0.946352946 = 1.056688... ≈ 1.05669 quarts per liter. This is a US liquid quart — there are also US dry quarts (1.101 L) and UK imperial quarts (1.137 L), but the US liquid quart is by far the most commonly used in everyday conversions.

Liter vs Quart: Understanding the Difference

The liter is a metric unit defined as exactly 1 cubic decimeter (a cube with sides 10 cm each). It was adopted as part of the French metric system in the 18th century and is now used in virtually every country for liquid measurement. The US liquid quart, by contrast, is derived from the gallon system: 4 quarts = 1 gallon = 231 cubic inches. The quart's definition was historically tied to wine and ale measures dating to medieval England.

Because the two systems developed independently, 1 liter and 1 quart are close but not identical: a liter holds about 57 mL more than a quart. In practical cooking terms, this means a "1-liter" recipe from a European source requires slightly more than a quart — specifically 1.057 quarts, or about 1 quart and 2 extra tablespoons. For everyday cooking this difference is often negligible, but for precision baking, brewing, or pharmaceutical preparation it matters.

Common Liters to Quarts Reference Points

• 1 L = 1.057 qt — standard water bottle slightly more than a quart
• 2 L = 2.113 qt — soda bottle just over 2 quarts
• 4 L = 4.227 qt — just over a gallon (which = exactly 4 quarts)
• 3.785 L = 4.000 qt — exactly 1 gallon in liters

Liters to Quarts Conversion Table

When to Convert Liters to Quarts

Cooking and baking from international recipes: Most European, Australian, and South American recipes express liquid ingredients in liters or milliliters. A recipe calling for 1.5 liters of broth needs 1.585 quarts — just under 1 quart + 1.5 cups. Without this conversion, a US cook trying to use quart containers would either under- or over-measure the liquid, affecting the final dish.

Automotive fluids: Engine oil, coolant, and transmission fluid are sold in metric liter quantities in most countries outside the US, but US vehicle specifications often express fluid capacities in quarts. A car that takes 4.5 quarts of oil requires approximately 4.26 liters — a difference that matters when purchasing from a metric supplier to ensure you don't underfill.

Home brewing and fermentation: Brewing recipes from metric countries express wort volumes in liters. American brewers with quart-calibrated equipment need the conversion to scale recipes correctly. A 5-quart batch equates to approximately 4.73 liters.

Paint and coatings: Exterior paints and coatings are sold in liters in metric countries. Coverage calculations that express area per quart must be adjusted when using liter-sized containers — a 1-liter tin covers slightly more area than a 1-quart tin.

FAQ

How many quarts is 1 liter?

1 liter ≈ 1.057 US liquid quarts. A 1-liter water bottle contains about 1 quart and 3.5 extra tablespoons.

Is a liter bigger than a quart?

Yes — a liter is about 5.7% larger than a US quart. 1 L = 1.057 qt; conversely, 1 qt = 0.946 L.

How many quarts is 2 liters?

2 liters ≈ 2.113 US quarts. A 2-liter soda bottle is just over 2 quarts — roughly 2 quarts and 1.8 tablespoons.

Are US quarts and UK quarts the same?

No. A US liquid quart = 0.946 L. A UK imperial quart = 1.137 L — about 20% larger. This converter uses US liquid quarts. Always confirm which quart a recipe or label means when cooking internationally.

How many quarts is 4 liters?

4 liters ≈ 4.227 US quarts — slightly more than 1 US gallon (which is exactly 4 quarts = 3.785 liters).