From riding to meeting up with the weight regulations, you need to know the motor oil’s accurate weight. Even though there can be a few variations depending on the viscosity, volume, and density, you can still learn the approximate weight.
So, How Much Does a Gallon of Motor Oil Weigh? Though it depends on different factors, usually modern semi or fully synthetic oils weighs approximately 7.5-8.5 lbs. Also, the weight of per gallon recycled oil is on average 7 pounds. In general, we can understand the weight is between 7-8 lbs, where temperature, viscosity, and volume play a significant role.
As there are many vital factors that impact the weight of motor oil, today we are going to share the detailed information and the weight calculation process as well as other additional advice. Let’s dive into it!
Different motor oil weight for per gallon at a glimpse:
| Oil Type | Weight |
|---|---|
| Full synthetic motor oil | 8 lbs |
| Synthetic blend motor oil | 8.5 lbs |
| Common motor oil | 7-8 lbs |
| Refined crude oil | 7.2 lbs |
| Recycled motor oil | 7 lbs |
How Much Does a Gallon of Motor Oil Weigh?
If you want the exact weight of a gallon of motor oil, that’s quite impossible to tell because it depends on a lot of facts. As the viscosity, volume and density play a significant role here, the weight depends on these factors. In general, the weight of a gallon of motor oil stays between 7-8 lbs.
As there are different types of motor oils, the weight of per gallon oil depends on the type of oil as well. The most common type of motor oil s the full synthetic motor oil. This oil weights up to 8 lbs per gallon. Another common type is the synthetic blend motor oil, which weighs almost 8.5 lbs most of the time.
Now, Let’s Know How Different Factor Impacts the Weight:
1. Viscosity: viscosity plays a big role in the motor oil’s weight. When the oil is dense, it will weigh more. Even if there is an equal quantity of oil; if one of the oil has more viscosity, then it will weigh more than the other one.
2. Volume: heavy oils weigh more than less volumed oils. So, the more volume your motor oil will have, the more it will weigh.
3. Temperature: of course, the weight of motor oil depends on the temperature. When the temperature increases, motor oil’s viscosity decreases. As a result, the weight automatically gets reduced.
4. Oil grade: motor oils come in different oil grades. For instance, you will get 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 graded motor oil. Different grades of motor oil weigh different.
5. Formulation: the formulation process and chemical material also impact the weight of motor oil. So, even if the quantity is the same in two different oils, you will get a vast difference in weight because of the different formulation.
How Much Does a Quart of Motor Oil Weigh?
If we notice the mathematical explanation, then 5 quarts of motor oil makes a gallon. And thus, a quart of motor oil will weigh of 1.6 lbs approximately if the gallon’s weight is 8 lbs. Now, here the weight also varies in some conditions.
As we have seen before, for different types of oils, the gallon’s weight came different. We are going to share that information in quarts as well. So, the full synthetic motor oil will weigh 1.6 lbs per quart.
Also, synthetic blend motor oil will weigh on about 1.6 lbs per quart. So on average, you can notice that if you measure in quarts, then it will weigh approximately 1.5-1.7 lbs.
How to Calculate the Weight of a Gallon of Motor Oil?
There are a few things and factors to look at while measuring the weight. Usually, two international processes are vastly used for measuring the accurate weight of motor oils. Now, we are going to explain those:
The Specific Gravity Measurement:
In this process, you have to take water’s weight as a standard. And the standard weight needs to be decided on a particular temperature so that the temperature can’t make any difference later.
In America, they count on 60°F (15.6°C) temperature, where the standard water density is 8.3369 lbs/US gal. Whereas, internationally, if you use the metric system, you have to measure in 15°C (59°F) temperature, where the water’s standard density will be 8.3379 lbs/US gal.
Measuring process: you have to divide the mass of oil by its volume. And then divide it with 8.3379 lbs/US (water’s density) gal if you want to measure in the metric system. But if you already know about the specific gravity of your motor oil, you can know the weight by multiplying it with water’s density in that particular temperature.
API Gravity Measurement:
At first, you have to measure the specific gravity of the oil following the above-mentioned process. And then, you have to divide the specific gravity by 141.5. Afterward, you have to subtract 131.5 from the result. The whole process is straightforward if you can follow it properly.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How Much Does A 55-Gallon Drum Of Motor Oil Weigh?
This weight on average 440 lbs, whereas it can vary on different factors like temperature, viscosity, volume, etc.
Is Thicker Motor Oil Better For High Mileage Cars?
Yes, the thicker the oil, the more the viscosity and weight. It adds up the value in mileage.
Which Motor Oil Is More Decadent, 5w30, Or 10w40?
10w-40 motor oil is heavier and thicker than 5w30 motor oil. Different factors work behind this difference.
Closing Words
In the end, we hope that you have been helped by our answer to How Much Does a Gallon of Motor Oil Weigh. We have explained every related issue and the measuring process as well. You can now measure the weight on your own.
Keep in mind that the weight actually depends on a lot of factors, as we stated above. So, if you simply consider the weight upon a single fact, that won’t be wise.
The more the weight is, the viscosity tends to be more as well. So, the heavier oil will serve you better. It’s better to check the factors before you get the oil. Hope you will be able to make the right choice now; all the best!
