A gallon of ethylene glycol weighs about 9.29 pounds (4.22 kg) at 68 °F. That is roughly 11% heavier than water, which weighs 8.345 lb per gallon. The number comes from ethylene glycol’s density of 1.1135 g/cm³ at 20 °C. A full 55-gallon drum of 100% ethylene glycol therefore holds about 511 lb of product, before container tare.
What is the density of ethylene glycol?
Ethylene glycol (MEG, CAS 107-21-1) has a density of 1.1135 g/cm³ at 20 °C. PubChem (CID 174) also lists a bulk density of 9.31 lb/gal measured at 15/15 °C (60 °F). Both values describe the same fluid at different reference temperatures, which is why published figures land between 9.29 and 9.31 lb per gallon.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| CAS number | 107-21-1 |
| Molecular formula | C2H6O2 |
| Molecular weight | 62.07 g/mol |
| Density at 20 °C | 1.1135 g/cm³ |
| Weight per US gallon at 68 °F | 9.29 lb |
| Weight per US gallon at 60 °F | 9.31 lb |
| Weight per liter | 1.1135 kg (2.455 lb) |
| Boiling point | 197.3 °C (387.7 °F) |
| Melting point | −12.7 °C (9 °F) |
| Flash point | 111 °C (232 °F) |
| Viscosity at 25 °C | 16.1 mPa·s |
Physical constants above are from PubChem CID 174.
How much does ethylene glycol weigh in each package size?
Net weights below use 9.29 lb per US gallon for 100% ethylene glycol. These are product weights only. Gross shipping weight adds the container tare, which is stamped on the drum or listed on the tote data plate.
| Package | US gallons | Net weight (lb) | Net weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 gallon | 1 | 9.29 | 4.22 |
| 5-gallon pail | 5 | 46.5 | 21.1 |
| 55-gallon drum | 55 | 511 | 232 |
| 275-gallon IBC tote | 275 | 2,555 | 1,159 |
| 330-gallon IBC tote | 330 | 3,066 | 1,391 |
| Tank truck (4,500 gal) | 4,500 | 41,805 | 18,962 |
| Rail car (20,000 gal) | 20,000 | 185,800 | 84,278 |
Tank truck and rail car volumes vary by carrier and equipment. Use your carrier’s stated capacity when you calculate a load. For a container-size comparison across chemicals, see drum vs IBC tote vs bulk.
How do you convert ethylene glycol gallons to pounds?
Multiply gallons by 9.29 to get pounds. Multiply pounds by 0.1076 to get gallons. In metric, multiply liters by 1.1135 to get kilograms. One metric ton of ethylene glycol is about 237 US gallons.
- Gallons to pounds: gallons × 9.29 = lb
- Pounds to gallons: lb × 0.1076 = gallons
- Liters to kilograms: L × 1.1135 = kg
- Metric tons to gallons: MT × 237 = gallons
Our chemical density and volume calculator runs these conversions for ethylene glycol and the rest of the RightPath catalog.
Does temperature change ethylene glycol’s weight per gallon?
Yes. Liquids expand as they warm, so a gallon of warm ethylene glycol contains slightly less mass than a gallon of cold ethylene glycol. Between the two reference points PubChem publishes, the weight moves from 9.31 lb/gal at 60 °F to 9.29 lb/gal at 68 °F. Over normal warehouse temperatures the swing is small, but for custody transfer and tank gauging it matters: measure temperature and correct volume to a standard reference temperature before you invoice.
Do inhibited and aqueous glycol blends weigh the same?
No. Two things change the number:
- Water dilution lowers it. Water weighs 8.345 lb/gal, so any aqueous glycol blend — a 50/50 coolant, for example — weighs less per gallon than 100% ethylene glycol. The more water, the lighter the gallon.
- Inhibitor packages shift it slightly. Corrosion-inhibited glycols carry an additive package that changes density by a small amount relative to the uninhibited product.
For any diluted or inhibited grade, use the density printed on the certificate of analysis for that lot rather than the pure-component figure. Ethylene glycol is also frequently confused with propylene glycol, which is a different chemical with a different density — see propylene glycol vs. ethylene glycol.
What grades and sizes of ethylene glycol does RightPath stock?
RightPath Industries supplies ethylene glycol, low iron and chloride — a high-purity grade for heat transfer and specialty formulation — in bulk and small-package quantities with lot control. It sits in our glycols category alongside triethylene glycol and the glycol ether range. Current packaging availability is confirmed on your quote.
Before you handle it, review the storage, exposure and first-aid guidance in our ethylene glycol safety and properties guide and the product safety data sheet. Ethylene glycol is acutely toxic if swallowed.
How do you order ethylene glycol from RightPath?
Send the grade, the volume, the packaging you want, and the delivery ZIP code. RightPath Industries is a Pittsburgh-headquartered distributor carrying more than 8,000 chemicals, and quotes go out the same day. Request bulk pricing and we will come back with an all-in landed number, not a base price plus surprises.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 55-gallon drum of ethylene glycol weigh?
A 55-gallon drum of 100% ethylene glycol holds about 511 lb (232 kg) of product. Gross weight adds the drum tare, which is stamped on the container.
Is ethylene glycol heavier than water?
Yes. Ethylene glycol weighs about 9.29 lb per US gallon versus 8.345 lb for water, making it roughly 11% heavier. It sinks in water and is fully miscible with it.
How much does a 275-gallon tote of ethylene glycol weigh?
A 275-gallon IBC tote of 100% ethylene glycol contains about 2,555 lb (1,159 kg) of product, plus the tote tare.
What is the specific gravity of ethylene glycol?
Ethylene glycol has a density of 1.1135 g/cm³ at 20 °C, which corresponds to a specific gravity of approximately 1.11 relative to water.
How many gallons of ethylene glycol are in a metric ton?
One metric ton (1,000 kg) of ethylene glycol is about 237 US gallons at 20 °C.