Convert Barrel (UK) (bbl (UK)) to Barrel (US) (bbl (US)) instantly.
About these units
Barrel (UK) (bbl (UK))
The UK barrel also varies by context but is commonly set at 36 imperial gallons, or about 163.66 liters. Used in British breweries, distilleries, and older trade systems, the UK barrel historically held ale, beer, and spirits. Barrel sizes were not only a reflection of trade standardization but also taxation. Governments often taxed based on container size, prompting industries to standardize capacities for legal and economic stability. Though less prevalent today due to metrication, the UK barrel remains in use in traditional breweries and historical references. It is an enduring symbol of Britain's long brewing heritage and the complex history of imperial trade.
Barrel (US) (bbl (US))
The US barrel is a unit with multiple definitions depending on the industry, though the most common general-purpose US barrel is 31.5 US gallons, used historically for dry goods, ale, and various agricultural products. In practice, the US barrel arose from traditional cask-making, where wooden barrels of different shapes were used for storage and transport. Because their capacity varied widely, different industries standardized the barrel at different volumes. Over time, manufacturers and commercial sectors adopted specific barrel sizes for consistency. Today, the US barrel appears in brewing, winemaking, certain agricultural commodities, and historical documents describing early American commerce. Its varied legacy makes it a fascinating example of an evolving unit shaped by economic necessity and craftsmanship.