As a rule of thumb, engine oil weighs about 7-7.5 pounds per gallon at 60° Fahrenheit. Based on that, a 1-quart bottle of oil weighs approximately 1.75-1.9 pounds, while you can expect the weight of a 5-quart bottle of oil to be in the range of 8.75 – 9.4 pounds.
If you want to find out more and compare the weight of different types of engine oils in one chart, keep reading.
We at PowerSportsGuide have compiled all you need to know under one roof!
Engine Oil Weigh Explained
When it comes to the weight of engine oils, there is a lot of confusion out there.
Why?
This is because the term “weight” is also used to describe oil viscosity.
The viscosity of engine oil measures their resistance to deformation at a given rate. In other words, this measurement tells you how well an oil flows.
The viscosity of engine oils is described by an SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) code, which is often referred to the “grade” or the “weight” of the oil.
As a rule of thumb, the lower the SAE number, the more easily the oil flows.
The main idea behind this standardization is that different engines require different oil viscosity.
For example, today’s cars use 5W-30 or 5W-40 engine oils with lower viscosity. In contrast, the engines of older cars had tolerances that weren’t as tight, so they typically require 10W-30 or 10W-40 engine oils.
However, this article will focus on the weight of the engine oils expressed in pounds rather than their viscosity.
Factors That Affect the Weight of Engine Oil
The exact weight of an engine oil depends on many factors, but the most important are density and temperature.
The weight of a gallon of engine oil primarily depends on its density. Different engine oils have different densities, but many of them fall into the range of 0.84-0.9 g/ml, which translates to 7-7.5 pounds/gallon.
For example, the density of 0W-20 engine oil is about 0.84-0.85 g/ml, equal to 7.01.7.09 pounds/gallon. In contrast, the density of an SEA 30 oil ranges from about 0.88-0.9, resulting in 7.34-7-47 pounds/gallon.
The density of fluids tends to change with temperature, and engine oils are no exception.
As a rule of thumb, the density of engine oils decreases when the temperature increases. At the same time, they become less viscous and easier to pour.
As an example, here’s a chart that shows how the density of an SAE 15W-40 engine oil changes with increasing temperatures:
| Temp. [°F] | Density [g/cm³] | Density [lbs/gal] |
| 32 | 0.892 | 7.44 |
| 50 | 0.885 | 7.39 |
| 68 | 0.879 | 7.33 |
| 86 | 0.873 | 7.28 |
| 104 | 0.866 | 7.23 |
| 122 | 0.860 | 7.18 |
| 140 | 0.854 | 7.13 |
| 185 | 0.848 | 7.07 |
| 176 | 0.841 | 7.02 |
| 194 | 0.835 | 6.97 |
(source: Anton Paar)
Based on the chart, the weight of 1 gallon of SAE 15W-40 oil is 7.44 pounds at 32° Fahrenheit (0° C) and 6.97 pounds at 195° Fahrenheit (90° C).
How Much Does Engine Oil Weigh per Gallon?
As a rule of thumb, one gallon of engine oil weighs about 7-7.5 pounds at 60° Fahrenheit. Based on that, the weight of the most common engine oil containers are as follows:
- 1-liter bottle: 1.8 – 2 pounds
- 1-quart bottle: 1.7 – 1.9 pounds
- 5-quart bottle: 8.7 – 9.4 pounds
- 5-liter bottle: 9.2 – 10 pounds
- 5-gallon bottle: 35 – 38 pounds
- 20-liter container: 37 – 40 pounds
- 55-gallon drum: 385 – 412 pounds (+ the weight of the drum)
- 330-gallon IBC tote: 2300 – 2500 pounds (+ the weight of the tote)
Engine Oil Weight Comparison Chart
For your convenience, we’ve compiled the weight figures of the most common engine oils in one chart:
| Oil Type (SAE) | Weight per Gallon (lbs) | Density (g/ml) |
| 0W-20 | 7.01-7.09 | 0.84-0.85 |
| 0W-30 | 7.01-7.18 | 0.84-0.86 |
| 0W-40 | 7.02-7.22 | 0.84-0.87 |
| 0W-50 | 7.05 – 7.1 | 0.84 – 0.85 |
| 5W-20 | 7.1-7.18 | 0.85-0.86 |
| 5W-30 | 7.1-7.2 | 0.85-0.86 |
| 5W-40 | 7.1-7.2 | 0.85-0.86 |
| 5W-50 | 7.1-7.2 | 0.85-0.86 |
| 10W-30 | 7.1-7.26 | 0.85-0.87 |
| 10W-40 | 7.1-7.26 | 0.85-0.87 |
| 10W-50 | 7.1-7.34 | 0.85-0.88 |
| 10W-60 | 7.14-7.43 | 0.855-0.89 |
| 15W-30 | 7.26-7.34 | 0.87-0.88 |
| 15W-40 | 7.26-7.34 | 0.87-0.88 |
| 20W-50 | 7.3-7.43 | 0.875-0.89 |
| 30 | 7.34-7.47 | 0.88-0.895 |
This is just for informational purposes only! Density may vary depending on the type, the manufacturer, and the temperature.
Engine Oil Weight Per Gallon Chart
| Gallon | Weight (lbs) |
| 1 | 7-7.5 |
| 2 | 14-15 |
| 3 | 21-22.5 |
| 4 | 28-30 |
| 5 | 35-37.5 |
| 6 | 42-45 |
| 7 | 49-52.5 |
| 8 | 56-60 |
| 9 | 63-67.5 |
| 10 | 70-75 |
| 15 | 105-112.5 |
| 20 | 140-150 |
| 25 | 175-187.5 |
| 30 | 210-225 |
| 35 | 245-262.5 |
| 40 | 280-300 |
| 45 | 315-337.5 |
| 50 | 350-375 |
| 55 | 385-412.5 |
| 60 | 420-450 |
| 65 | 455-487.5 |
| 70 | 490-525 |
| 75 | 525-562.5 |
| 80 | 560-600 |
| 85 | 595-637.5 |
| 90 | 630-675 |
| 95 | 665-712.5 |
| 100 | 700-750 |
| 200 | 1400-1500 |
| 250 | 1750-1875 |
| 300 | 2100-2250 |
| 330 | 2310-2475 |
| 400 | 2800-3000 |
| 500 | 3500-3750 |
This is just for informational purposes only! Density may vary depending on the type, the manufacturer, and the temperature.
Takeaways – FAQs About the Engine Oil Weight
As a takeaway, we’ve answered the most common questions about the weight of engine oil.
How Much Does Engine Oil Weigh per Gallon?
One gallon of engine oil weighs about 7-7.5 per gallon, but the exact weight depends on the temperature and the type of oil.
How Much Does Used Engine Oil Weigh per Gallon?
Used engine oil may weigh slightly more than fresh oil; you can expect the weight of a gallon of used engine oil to be in the range of 7-8 pounds.
What is the Density of Engine Oil in g/ml?
As a rule of thumb, the density of the majority of engine oils is about 0.84-0.9 g/ml.
Does Oil Density Change with Temperature?
Yes, the density of engine oils decrease when the temperature increases. Also, a higher temperature makes engine oils more viscous.
Is Engine Oil Lighter Than Water?
Yes, engine oil is lighter (less dense) than water since the density of water is about 1 g/ml while the density of engine oil is about 0.84-0.9 g/ml.
Does Engine Oil Float on Water?
Yes, engine oil always floats on top of water, thanks to its lower density. Engine oil is prone to creating a very thin layer on the surface of water.
Is Engine Oil Heavier Than Gasoline?
Engine oil is slightly heavier than gasoline, which has a density of about 0.71-0.77 g/ml. This means that a gallon of gasoline weighs about 6-6.3 pounds, while engine oil weighs 7-7.5 pounds.
Does Gasoline Float on Top of Engine Oil?
Since it’s less dense, gasoline floats on top of engine oil.
Is Engine Oil Heavier Than Diesel?
The density of diesel (0.81-0.95 g/ml) and engine oil (0.84-0.9 g/ml) is almost the same.
Weights of Different Types of Oil
How much does a gallon of 0W-20 oil weigh?
One gallon of 0W-20 oil weighs about 7.01-7.09 pounds at a temperature of 60° Fahrenheit.
How much does a gallon of 0W-30 oil weigh?
One gallon of 0W-30 oil weighs about 7.01-7.18 pounds at a temperature of 60° Fahrenheit.
How much does a gallon of 0W-40 oil weigh?
One gallon of 0W-40 oil weighs about 7.02-7.22 pounds at a temperature of 60° Fahrenheit.
How much does a gallon of 0W-50 oil weigh?
One gallon of 0W-50 oil weighs about 7.05 – 7.1 pounds at a temperature of 60° Fahrenheit.
How much does a gallon of 5W-20 oil weigh?
One gallon of 5W-20 oil weighs about 7.1-7.18 pounds at a temperature of 60° Fahrenheit.
How much does a gallon of 5W-30 oil weigh?
One gallon of 5W-30 oil weighs about 7.1-7.2 pounds at a temperature of 60° Fahrenheit.
How much does a gallon of 5W-40 oil weigh?
One gallon of 5W-40 oil weighs about 7.1-7.2 pounds at a temperature of 60° Fahrenheit.
How much does a gallon of 5W-50 oil weigh?
One gallon of 5W-50 oil weighs about 7.1-7.2 pounds at a temperature of 60° Fahrenheit.
How much does a gallon of 10W-30 oil weigh?
One gallon of 10W-30 oil weighs about 7.1-7.26 pounds at a temperature of 60° Fahrenheit.
How much does a gallon of 10W-40 oil weigh?
One gallon of 10W-40 oil weighs about 7.1-7.26 pounds at a temperature of 60° Fahrenheit.
How much does a gallon of 10W-50 oil weigh?
One gallon of 10W-50 oil weighs about 7.1-7.34 pounds at a temperature of 60° Fahrenheit.
How much does a gallon of 10W-60 oil weigh?
One gallon of 10W-60 oil weighs about 7.14-7.43 pounds at a temperature of 60° Fahrenheit.
How much does a gallon of 15W-30 oil weigh?
One gallon of 15W-30 oil weighs about 7.26-7.34 pounds at a temperature of 60° Fahrenheit.
How much does a gallon of 15W-40 oil weigh?
One gallon of 15W-40 oil weighs about 7.26-7.34 pounds at a temperature of 60° Fahrenheit.
How much does a gallon of 20W-50 oil weigh?
One gallon of 20W-50 oil weighs about 7.3-7.43 pounds at a temperature of 60° Fahrenheit.
How much does a gallon of SAE 30 oil weigh?
One gallon of SAE 30 oil weighs about 7.34-7.47 pounds at a temperature of 60° Fahrenheit.
How much does a 55-gallon drum of engine oil weigh?
A 55-gallon drum of engine oil weighs about 385 – 412 pounds, excluding the weight of the drum.
How much does 16 oz. of engine oil weigh?
16 oz. of engine oil weighs about 0.88-0.95 pounds.
How much does 1 gallon of engine oil weigh?
One gallon of engine oil weighs about 7-7.5 pounds.
How much do 2 gallons of engine oil weigh?
Two gallons of engine oil weigh about 14-15 pounds.
How much do 3 gallons of engine oil weigh?
Three gallons of engine oil weigh about 21-22.5 pounds.
How much do 4 gallons of engine oil weigh?
Four gallons of engine oil weigh about 28-30 pounds.
How much do 5 gallons of engine oil weigh?
Five gallons of engine oil weigh about 35-37.5 pounds.
How much do 6 gallons of engine oil weigh?
Six gallons of engine oil weigh about 42-45 pounds.
How much do 7 gallons of engine oil weigh?
Seven gallons of engine oil weigh about 49-52.5 pounds.
How much do 8 gallons of engine oil weigh?
Eight gallons of engine oil weigh about 56-60 pounds.
How much do 9 gallons of engine oil weigh?
Nine gallons of engine oil weigh about 63-67.5 pounds.
How much do 10 gallons of engine oil weigh?
Ten gallons of engine oil weigh about 70-75 pounds.
How much do 20 gallons of engine oil weigh?
Twenty gallons of engine oil weigh about 140-150 pounds.
How much do 30 gallons of engine oil weigh?
Thirty gallons of engine oil weigh about 210-225 pounds.
How much do 40 gallons of engine oil weigh?
Forty gallons of engine oil weigh about 280-300 pounds.
How much do 42 gallons of engine oil weigh?
Forty two gallons of engine oil weigh about 294-315 pounds.
How much do 50 gallons of engine oil weigh?
Fifty gallons of engine oil weigh about 350-375 pounds.
How much do 55 gallons of engine oil weigh?
Fifty five gallons of engine oil weigh about 385-412.5 pounds.
How much do 60 gallons of engine oil weigh?
Sixty gallons of engine oil weigh about 420-450 pounds.
How much do 70 gallons of engine oil weigh?
Seventy gallons of engine oil weigh about 490-525 pounds.
How much do 80 gallons of engine oil weigh?
Eighty gallons of engine oil weigh about 560-600 pounds.
How much do 90 gallons of engine oil weigh?
Ninety gallons of engine oil weigh about 630-675 pounds.
How much do 100 gallons of engine oil weigh?
One hundred gallons of engine oil weigh about 700-750 pounds.
How much do 120 gallons of engine oil weigh?
One hundred and twenty gallons of engine oil weigh about 840-900 pounds.
How much do 200 gallons of engine oil weigh?
Two hundred gallons of engine oil weigh about 1400-1500 pounds.
How much do 250 gallons of engine oil weigh?
Two hundred and fifty gallons of engine oil weigh about 1750-1875 pounds.
How much do 300 gallons of engine oil weigh?
Three hundred of engine oil weigh about 2100-2250 pounds.
How much do 330 gallons of engine oil weigh?
Three hundred and thirty gallons of engine oil weigh about 2310-2475 pounds.
How much do 400 gallons of engine oil weigh?
Four hundred gallons of engine oil weigh about 2800-3000 pounds.
How much do 500 gallons of engine oil weigh?
Five hundred gallons of engine oil weigh about 3500-3750 pounds.
Disclaimer: This article is just for general information purposes. Always read your vehicle’s operator’s manual to verify the correct type of engine oil.
References:
https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/fuels-densities-specific-volumes-d_166.html
