How Much 2-Stroke Oil for 5 Gallons of Gas?
At 50:1, add 12.8 fl oz (379 mL) of 2-stroke oil.
At 40:1, add 16 fl oz (473 mL).
At 32:1, add 20 fl oz (591 mL).
Not sure which ratio? Use the one in your owner's manual or on the fuel cap. Most modern handheld equipment is 50:1. Other amounts: open the calculator.
Five gallons is the standard large can, used by landscaping crews, dirt bike riders and boaters. For occasional use it is a lot of premix: mixed fuel without stabilizer is best used within about 30 days.
Oil for 5 Gallons at Every Ratio
| Ratio | Oil (fl oz) | Oil (mL) | Easy measure | Typically used for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50:1 | 12.8 fl oz | 379 mL | one 12.8 oz pre-measured 50:1 bottle, or about 1.6 cups | Modern chainsaws, trimmers, blowers; most modern outboards |
| 40:1 | 16 fl oz | 473 mL | exactly 1 pint, or about 2 cups | Older equipment, some trimmers and outboards, many dirt bikes |
| 32:1 | 20 fl oz | 591 mL | about 2.5 cups | Dirt bikes and motocross, high-load engines |
| 30:1 | 21.3 fl oz | 631 mL | about 2.7 cups | Vintage outboards |
| 25:1 | 25.6 fl oz | 757 mL | about 3.2 cups | Older equipment, break-in when specified |
| 20:1 | 32 fl oz | 946 mL | exactly 1 quart, or about 4 cups | Vintage engines, some racing |
| 16:1 | 40 fl oz | 1183 mL | about 5 cups | Antique engines and outboards |
5 gallons is 18.93 liters. These amounts are for US gallons. If your manual uses UK (imperial) gallons, which are about 20% larger, 5 imperial gallons at 50:1 needs 455 mL of oil.
How Precise Do You Need to Be?
Staying within about 10% of the target amount keeps you close to the intended ratio. For 5 gallons at 50:1 that means 11.5–14.1 fl oz of oil, and at 40:1, 14.4–17.6 fl oz.
At this batch size, an extra 1 fl oz of oil turns a 50:1 mix into about 46.4:1, and 1 fl oz too little makes it about 54.2:1. Running slightly rich (more oil) is safer for the engine than running lean.
Mixed 5 Gallons at the Wrong Ratio?
You don't need to throw it out. To correct a full 5-gallon batch:
| Situation | Fix |
|---|---|
| Mixed 40:1, need 50:1 | Add 1.25 gallons of fresh gas (6.25 gallons total) |
| Mixed 50:1, need 40:1 | Add 3.2 fl oz more oil |
| Mixed 50:1, need 32:1 | Add 7.2 fl oz more oil |
| Mixed 32:1, need 50:1 | Add 2.81 gallons of fresh gas (7.81 gallons total) |
Adding gas makes the batch bigger, so only lean out a mix if you will use the extra fuel within about a month.
How to Mix 5 Gallons
- Measure the oil, for example 12.8 fl oz (379 mL) for 50:1. A ratio measuring cup reads directly in ounces and mL.
- Mix in a 5-gallon can with the oil added after the first gallon or two of gas, so it blends as you fill.
- Cap it tightly and shake for about 30 seconds. A fuel can with a sealing cap prevents spills while you shake.
- Write the ratio and date on the can. Shake again before each refill if the can has been sitting.
5 Gallons: Common Questions
How much oil for 5 gallons of gas at 50:1?
5 gallons at 50:1 needs 12.8 fl oz (379 mL) of 2-stroke oil.
How much oil for 5 gallons of gas at 40:1?
5 gallons at 40:1 needs 16 fl oz (473 mL) of 2-stroke oil.
How much oil for 5 gallons of gas at 32:1?
5 gallons at 32:1 needs 20 fl oz (591 mL) of 2-stroke oil.
I mixed 5 gallons at 40:1 but my engine needs 50:1. What do I do?
Add 1.25 gallons of fresh gas (6.25 gallons total). That brings the batch back to 50:1 without wasting it.
How long does 5 gallons of mixed fuel last?
Mixed 2-stroke fuel without stabilizer is best used within about 30 days. A fuel stabilizer extends that; follow the storage time on the stabilizer's label.
Other Fuel Amounts
Need a ratio guide instead? See 50:1, 40:1, 32:1 or all ratios.