Tonnes, cubic metres, litres and barrels
Convert marine fuel quantities with the standard temperature correction used on bunker delivery notes.
Result
- Metric tonnes (in air)
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- m³ at 15°C
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- m³ at observed temperature
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- Litres at observed temperature
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- US barrels at 15°C
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- Volume correction factor
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How the calculation works
Fuel expands as it warms, so a volume only means something at a known temperature. The industry standard is to express volume at 15°C, using the volume correction factor (VCF) from ASTM D1250 / API MPMS Chapter 11.1, Table 54B, which applies to fuel oils, gasoils and other generalised products.
- m³ at 15°C = observed m³ × VCF
- Metric tonnes (in air) = m³ at 15°C × (density at 15°C − 1.1 kg/m³) ÷ 1000
- Litres = m³ × 1000; US barrels = m³ × 6.28981
The 1.1 kg/m³ deduction converts mass in vacuum to the "weight in air" shown on most bunker delivery notes.
This calculator gives a close estimate for planning and checking. The quantity that counts commercially is the one measured and documented at delivery, under the terms of your contract.
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