How Much 2-Stroke Oil for 5 Liters of Gas?
At 50:1, add 100 mL (3.4 fl oz) of 2-stroke oil.
At 40:1, add 125 mL (4.2 fl oz).
At 32:1, add 156 mL (5.3 fl oz).
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 litres is the standard small jerrycan and the most common premix batch in metric countries. It lasts a homeowner several sessions with a chainsaw or trimmer.
Oil for 5 Liters at Every Ratio
| Ratio | Oil (fl oz) | Oil (mL) | Easy measure | Typically used for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50:1 | 3.4 fl oz | 100 mL | about 7 tablespoons | Modern chainsaws, trimmers, blowers; most modern outboards |
| 40:1 | 4.2 fl oz | 125 mL | about 8.5 tablespoons | Older equipment, some trimmers and outboards, many dirt bikes |
| 32:1 | 5.3 fl oz | 156 mL | about 10.5 tablespoons | Dirt bikes and motocross, high-load engines |
| 30:1 | 5.6 fl oz | 167 mL | about 11.5 tablespoons | Vintage outboards |
| 25:1 | 6.8 fl oz | 200 mL | about 13.5 tablespoons | Older equipment, break-in when specified |
| 20:1 | 8.5 fl oz | 250 mL | about 1.1 cups | Vintage engines, some racing |
| 16:1 | 10.6 fl oz | 313 mL | about 1.3 cups | Antique engines and outboards |
5 liters is 1.32 US gallons. The mL amounts above are exact for any metric ratio: divide the fuel in mL by the ratio (5000 ÷ 50 = 100 mL).
How Precise Do You Need to Be?
Staying within about 10% of the target amount keeps you close to the intended ratio. For 5 liters at 50:1 that means 90–110 mL of oil, and at 40:1, 113–138 mL.
At this batch size, an extra 10 mL of oil turns a 50:1 mix into about 45.5:1, and 10 mL too little makes it about 55.6:1. Running slightly rich (more oil) is safer for the engine than running lean.
Mixed 5 Liters at the Wrong Ratio?
You don't need to throw it out. To correct a full 5-liter batch:
| Situation | Fix |
|---|---|
| Mixed 40:1, need 50:1 | Add 1.25 liters of fresh gas (6.25 liters total) |
| Mixed 50:1, need 40:1 | Add 25 mL more oil |
| Mixed 50:1, need 32:1 | Add 56 mL more oil |
| Mixed 32:1, need 50:1 | Add 2.81 liters of fresh gas (7.81 liters 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 Liters
- Measure the oil, for example 100 mL (3.4 fl oz) for 50:1. A ratio measuring cup reads directly in ounces and mL.
- A 5-litre jerrycan with a measuring cup for the oil is all you need.
- 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 Liters: Common Questions
How much oil for 5 liters of gas at 50:1?
5 liters at 50:1 needs 100 mL (3.4 fl oz) of 2-stroke oil.
How much oil for 5 liters of gas at 40:1?
5 liters at 40:1 needs 125 mL (4.2 fl oz) of 2-stroke oil.
How much oil for 5 liters of gas at 32:1?
5 liters at 32:1 needs 156 mL (5.3 fl oz) of 2-stroke oil.
I mixed 5 liters at 40:1 but my engine needs 50:1. What do I do?
Add 1.25 liters of fresh gas (6.25 liters total). That brings the batch back to 50:1 without wasting it.
How long does 5 liters 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.