Calculate how much aviation fuel weighs: convert gallons or liters of Jet A, Avgas 100LL or JP-8 to pounds and kg, or convert pounds back to gallons.
Aviation Fuel Weight Formula
The following two example problems outline the steps and information needed to calculate the Aviation Fuel Weight.
Variables:
- AFW is the aviation fuel weight (lb)
- VF is the total volume of fuel (US gal)
- ฯ is the fuel density (lb/US gal) at the temperature being assumed/measured
To calculate aviation fuel weight, multiply the total fuel volume by the appropriate fuel density. Fuel density depends on fuel type and temperature. The FAA Pilotโs Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge lists nominal weights of 6.8 lb/US gal for Jet A/Jet A-1 and 6.0 lb/US gal for aviation gasoline. Actual measured weights or applicable density data take precedence. The presets are estimates and do not apply a temperature correction.
How to Calculate Aviation Fuel Weight?
The following steps outline how to calculate the Aviation Fuel Weight.
Example Problem #1:
- First, determine the total volume of fuel (US gallons) and the fuel type/density to use.
- The total volume of fuel is given as 100 US gal.
- For this example, assume Jet A with a nominal density of 6.8 lb/US gal.
- Finally, calculate the Aviation Fuel Weight using the equation above:
AFW = VF ร ฯ
The values provided above are inserted into the equation below and computed.
AFW = 100 ร 6.8 = 680.00 lb
Example Problem #2:
For this problem, the variables required are provided below:
total volume of fuel (US gal) = 200
For this example, assume Jet A with a nominal density of 6.8 lb/US gal.
Test your knowledge and check your answer with the calculator.
AFW = VF ร 6.8 = ?
