The weight of 1 gallon of 15W40 motor oil is approximately 7.5 to 8 pounds (3.4 to 3.6 kg). The exact weight can vary slightly depending on the specific brand and formulation of the oil, but this is a typical range for motor oils of this type.
The weight of motor oil can vary slightly depending on its formulation, but in general, the density of 15W-40 motor oil ranges between 0.86 and 0.88 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³) at 15°C (59°F).
To break down the calculation:
- 1 gallon is equivalent to 128 fluid ounces or 3.785 liters (since 1 US gallon = 3.785 liters).
- The density of 15W-40 motor oil is about 0.86–0.88 g/cm³, which means that for every cubic centimeter of oil, it weighs between 0.86 and 0.88 grams.
Now, using the density to calculate the weight of 1 gallon:
- The weight of 1 gallon of motor oil = Volume x Density
- Volume of 1 gallon = 3.785 liters = 3,785 cm³ (since 1 liter = 1,000 cm³).
For the lower end of the density range (0.86 g/cm³):
- Weight = 3,785 cm³ × 0.86 g/cm³ = 3,250.1 grams ≈ 7.2 pounds.
For the higher end of the density range (0.88 g/cm³):
- Weight = 3,785 cm³ × 0.88 g/cm³ = 3,325.5 grams ≈ 7.3 pounds.
So, the weight of 1 gallon of 15W-40 motor oil will typically fall between 7.2 and 7.3 pounds (or 3.25 to 3.3 kg). This is for most conventional or semi-synthetic oils, but specialized formulations might be slightly different in density.