How Much Does A Gallon Of Diesel Weigh?

When your truck and cargo are over the limit when you pull up to a scale, you probably won’t even think about the fuel weight. This results in lost time and high fuel costs. 

So, what is the diesel weight per gallon? If you don’t know the answer, do not worry. This post will walk you through all the basics you need to know.

How Much Does A Gallon Of Diesel Fuel Weigh?

Weight Of Different Diesel Types

Different types of diesel fuel come at different weights. Check out the section below for more details on each type’s measurement.

1D Diesel

The weight ranges from 7.30 to 8.76 pounds.

Thanks to the lower viscosity, 1D diesel, which shares chemical properties with kerosene, is favored for use in cold weather conditions. 

It is less thick and chemically related to kerosene, including the red diesel, made especially for use in the winter in tractors and off-road vehicles. It is colored red so that it may be quickly distinguished from conventional diesel. 

2D Diesel

The weight of a gallon of diesel fuel can be anywhere between 6.96 pounds and 6.91 pounds in different states when it’s 59-76°F. Still, it may weigh around 7.05 pounds at colder temperatures.

Given that 2D diesel has a higher viscosity compared to the previous one, it is frequently utilized in warm or average weather conditions. This diesel fuel is occasionally blended with 1D to make effective winter fuel.

4D Diesel

It has an average weight of 8 pounds per gallon in comparison to 2D and 1D diesel.

Typically, 4D fuel (or D4 diesel) appears in stationary units like railroad engines and energy generators, as well as vehicles with low or average-speed motors. 

Biodiesel

This type of diesel comes with a density of 7.5 pounds/gallon, given that it is made up of 100% biodiesel (B100). 

That said, only Biodiesel B5 does not go against the warranties of manufacturers. It comprises only 5% of biodiesel, with the rest being regular diesel.

What About Diesel Weight On European Standard?

EN 590 is the diesel fuel type based on the European Standard, which measures around 6.8 to 7.05 pounds for each gallon. This weight is due to the density requirement of 0.82 to 0.845 g/ml of the European Standards Organization.

Factors Influence The Gas Weight

It’s difficult to generalize the diesel-per-gallon measurement because of the various types of diesel that are accessible and the variable densities of each one. Here are four important elements that also have an impact on diesel weight.

Measurement Unit

The measurement unit is among the important elements that affect diesel fuel weight per gallon. There is variability in estimating the diesel weight due to the various measurement units available.

At the moment, three separate measurement units, including the imperial gallon, US dry gallon, and US gallon, are applied to weighing fuel. 

Typically, these gallons of diesel fuel weigh roughly 4.55L, 4.4L, and 3.76L each, respectively. The most effective measurement system is imperial. However, the US gallon is the accepted international unit of measurement.

Temperature Range

It’s important to understand that ambient temperature and weather fluctuations can alter a gallon of diesel weight. For example, fuel volume can vary below 7 pounds per gallon at a room’s typical temperature. This is why the temperature at which diesel is measured frequently falls below the 15°C (59°F) international standard.

As the temperature drops, the fuel’s thickness will rise, adding to the fuel’s overall weight and blocking the fuel lines. For example, diesel fuel gets heavier and thicker between -19 and 15°C (about -2.2 and 59°F).

API And Gravity

The API (shorts for American Petroleum Institute) produced a standard for calculating the weight of petrol in relation to water, which is required to convert the fuel volume to US gallons, for example. Also, they are standard systems for testing diesel energy levels and quality.

Diesel can also be blended with sulfur compounds like ULSD (Ultra-low-sulfur diesel), which makes it lighter than biodiesel fuel. Overall, the diesel’s specific gravity ranges from 0.82 to 0.90, resulting in a weight of 6.85 to 7.5 pounds per gallon.

Fuel Grade

The cetane rating of diesel fuel assesses its total weight, fuel efficiency, and simplicity of igniting. Higher cetane level numbers obtained by refining produce diesel with a lower density and greater API gravity.

As a result of Europe’s higher minimum cetane rating than other regions, diesel fuel in the UK would weigh less, falling between the range of 6.8 and 7.05 pounds (as mentioned, as opposed to in the States. Like Europe, Canada’s fuel grades are moving in the direction of EN 590 regulations, resulting in lighter diesel.

Importance Of Diesel Weight

Whether loading or refueling, truck drivers must be aware of their gear and axle weight; this is particularly important for those who operate automobiles with weight limits.

The diesel weight per gallon also influences the calculation of the fuel load of a tanker truck or ship. It is best to maintain a cruise ship’s optimal trim, which helps it stay steady even in bad weather, and ensure that cylindrical fuel tanks have the proper specifications.

Another factor is that adding fuel to your tank makes your car heavier and decreases fuel efficiency, which lowers your gas mileage. Off-roaders must take care of their 4×4 or all-terrain vehicle since they do not want to overfill their gasoline tanks and risk spills or leaks on the engine.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does 50 Gal Of Diesel Weigh?

It depends on which type of diesel you use. If you measure 50 gallons of fuel at 59°F or 15°C, it will be comparable to 400 pounds for 4D, 354.50 pounds for 2D, and 365 pounds for 1D diesel.

Is Diesel Heavier Than Water?

No. The weight of diesel fuel is around 7 pounds per gallon, which is more than gasoline but less than water. Still, keep in mind that the weight may vary slightly depending on the diesel fuel type used and any additives added to it.

What Fluids Will Destroy A Diesel Engine?

Oil, fuel, and coolant are the fluids that a diesel engine cannot tolerate. Coolant leaks can seriously harm your engine since the liquid will blend with the oil and improperly grease your engine’s components.

Fuel is also required for your engine to function properly. But your car’s engine and other components may suffer harm if the tank is overfilled or underfilled with fuel. All the moving elements in an engine are lubricated with oil to prevent rapid wear.

How Many Gallons Does A Semi Truck Hold?

The capacity of a semi-diesel truck tank, or an 18-wheeler gas tank size, is 125-300 gallons. The tractor has a tank of diesel fuel on either side, and fuel is divided between the two fuel tanks to maintain weight balance.

The Bottom Line

How much does diesel weigh in a gallon? Knowing the diesel weighs is now more important than ever due to rising regulations for petroleum diesel and the increasing number of consumers who are more cost- and fuel-conscious.

Making the most of your car’s fuel efficiency, avoiding costly fines, and avoiding overweight and oversize tickets are just a few of the things you may do when knowing the weight of diesel.

See more: How Much Does A Gallon Of Gasoline Weigh?