Fuel Temperature Correction Calculator

Work out fuel temperature correction instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Fuel Temperature Correction Calculator

Volume at reference temperature is observed volume x (1 - alpha x temperature difference). Coefficients differ by product: about 0.00095 per degree for gasoline, 0.00072 for diesel and 0.00063 for fuel oil. A 19 degree difference on a 30,000 litre delivery of diesel is over 400 litres.

Formula

Volume correction

Corrected volume = observed volume x (1 - alpha x (T_observed - T_reference))

Worked example

With the default values below, Fuel Temperature Correction Calculator returns Volume At Reference Temperature of 29,589.60. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Observed Volumeminimum 0 L: 30,000 L
Observed Temperatureminimum -50 degrees C: 34 degrees C
Reference Temperatureminimum -50 degrees C: 15 degrees C
Fuel Typeone of Gasoline / petrol, Diesel / gas oil, Kerosene / jet, Fuel oil: Diesel / gas oil

Results

Volume At Reference Temperature: 29,589.60
Volume Correction Factor: 0.986320
Volume Difference: -410.40
Expansion Coefficient Used: 0.000720

Step by step

1Values used
2Volume correction
3Volume At Reference Temperature= 29,589.60
4Volume Correction Factor= 0.986320
5Volume Difference= -410.40
6Expansion Coefficient Used= 0.000720

Assumptions and limits

The result is derived only from the 4 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
Figures are rounded for display to 6 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.
Volumes used for duty, tax or custody transfer must be corrected using the measurement standard prescribed by the relevant authority.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Volumes used for duty, tax or custody transfer must be corrected using the measurement standard prescribed by the relevant authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who bears the temperature difference?

It depends on the contract. Sales at ambient volume favour the seller in hot weather; sales at corrected volume are neutral. Most bulk contracts specify temperature-corrected volumes for this reason.

Does this matter at retail?

It is significant in absolute terms across a whole network but small per transaction. Some jurisdictions require automatic temperature compensation on retail dispensers, others do not.