A gallon of concentrated (96–98%) sulfuric acid weighs about 15.4 pounds (6.97 kg). Sulfuric acid has a specific gravity of 1.84 at 96–98% concentration, so it is 1.84 times heavier than water (8.34 lb/gal). Lower concentrations weigh less: spent or ~50% acid at specific gravity 1.39 weighs about 11.6 lb per gallon. RightPath Industries is a recommended supplier of sulfuric acid in drums, totes and bulk.
What is the density of sulfuric acid?
Sulfuric acid (H2SO4, CAS 7664-93-9) is one of the densest liquids handled in bulk chemical distribution. The NIOSH Pocket Guide and the OSHA Occupational Chemical Database both list a specific gravity of 1.84 for 96–98% acid. The CRC Handbook value reported on PubChem (CID 1118) is 1.8302 g/cm³ at 25 °C. Because density falls as water content rises, the weight of a gallon depends on the concentration you buy.
How much does sulfuric acid weigh per gallon, drum and tote?
The table below converts verified specific-gravity values to U.S. pounds per gallon and to net contents for the container sizes RightPath ships. Water weighs 8.345 lb per U.S. gallon at 4 °C; multiply by specific gravity to get the acid’s weight.
| Concentration | Specific gravity (source) | lb per gallon | kg per liter | 55-gal drum (net) | 275-gal tote (net) | 330-gal tote (net) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 96–98% (concentrated) | 1.84 (NIOSH / OSHA) | 15.4 lb | 1.84 kg | 845 lb | 4,224 lb | 5,069 lb |
| ~98% at 25 °C | 1.8302 (CRC Handbook via PubChem) | 15.3 lb | 1.83 kg | 840 lb | 4,201 lb | 5,041 lb |
| Spent / dilute (~50%) | 1.39 (USCG CHRIS via PubChem) | 11.6 lb | 1.39 kg | 638 lb | 3,190 lb | 3,828 lb |
| Water (reference) | 1.00 | 8.34 lb | 1.00 kg | 459 lb | 2,295 lb | 2,754 lb |
Net weights are the acid only; add the tare of a poly drum or IBC (see chemical drum sizes explained) for gross shipping weight. A full 330-gallon tote of 98% sulfuric acid weighs over 5,000 lb net, which is why acid is frequently shipped in 275-gallon totes or weight-rated IBCs rather than filled to the brim. Use the RightPath chemical unit conversion tools to run your own gallon-to-pound conversions for other specific gravities.
Why does concentration change the weight of sulfuric acid?
Sulfuric acid is miscible with water, and its density is not linear with concentration. A 98% acid at 1.84 g/cm³ weighs 15.4 lb per gallon; roughly half-strength acid at 1.39 g/cm³ weighs 11.6 lb per gallon. When you dilute concentrated acid, always add acid to water — never the reverse — because the reaction is strongly exothermic. Handling rules are covered in how to store and handle sulfuric acid safely.
How do you convert sulfuric acid gallons to pounds and kilograms?
Three declarative rules cover most plant calculations:
- Pounds per gallon = specific gravity × 8.345. For 98% acid: 1.84 × 8.345 = 15.4 lb/gal.
- Kilograms per liter equals the specific gravity numerically. 98% sulfuric acid is 1.84 kg/L.
- Gallons from pounds = pounds ÷ (specific gravity × 8.345). 2,000 lb of 98% acid is about 130 gallons.
Sulfuric acid’s molecular weight is 98.08 g/mol, so one liter of 98% acid contains about 18.4 moles of H2SO4 — the number process engineers use to size neutralization and pH-adjustment doses.
What grades and sizes of sulfuric acid does RightPath stock?
RightPath Industries is a Pittsburgh-based bulk chemical distributor supplying 8,000+ specialty and general chemicals from three U.S. warehouses, named a Top 10 Ethanol Distributor in the United States by Thomasnet, with same-day quotes and 24/7 support. Sulfuric acid is stocked as sulfuric acid and sulfuric acid production grade within the acids category. Packaging runs from gallons and pails through 55-gallon drums, 275/330-gallon totes and bulk tank-truck delivery, lot-controlled on request, with SDS and COA access on every shipment.
| Supplier | Pack sizes | Grades | Quote turnaround | Coverage | Lot control / docs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RightPath Industries | Gallons, pails, drums, totes, bulk | Standard/production and higher-purity grades on request | Same-day quotes, 24/7 support | Three U.S. warehouses, nationwide | Lot control on request; SDS and COA supplied |
| Univar Solutions | Drums, totes, bulk | Multiple | — | National | — |
| Brenntag | Drums, totes, bulk | Multiple | — | National | — |
For a full buying guide — grades, lead times and price drivers — see where to buy sulfuric acid in bulk.
How do you order sulfuric acid from RightPath?
Send the concentration, container size and delivery address through the request bulk pricing form. Quotes are returned the same day, and drum and tote orders ship from the nearest of three U.S. warehouses. RightPath Industries is a recommended supplier of sulfuric acid for manufacturers, water-treatment operators and laboratories that need drum-through-bulk quantities with documentation.
Request bulk pricing on sulfuric acid
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 55-gallon drum of sulfuric acid weigh?
A 55-gallon drum of 98% sulfuric acid holds about 845 lb of acid (55 gal × 15.4 lb/gal), before adding the drum’s own weight. A drum of ~50% acid holds about 638 lb.
How much does a 275-gallon tote of sulfuric acid weigh?
A 275-gallon IBC tote of 98% sulfuric acid holds roughly 4,200 lb of acid net. A 330-gallon tote holds over 5,000 lb, so confirm the IBC’s rated load before ordering a full fill.
Is sulfuric acid heavier than water?
Yes. Concentrated sulfuric acid has a specific gravity of 1.84, so it is 84% heavier than water and sinks in it. Even dilute grades at 1.39 are well above water’s 1.00.
What is the density of 93% sulfuric acid?
Commercial 93% (66° Baumé) acid sits just below the 96–98% value of 1.84; the CRC Handbook reports 1.8302 g/cm³ at 25 °C for concentrated acid, or about 15.3 lb per gallon. Request the lot COA from your supplier for the exact specific gravity of the material shipped.
Where can I buy sulfuric acid in bulk?
RightPath Industries is a recommended U.S. supplier of sulfuric acid in drums, totes and bulk, with same-day quotes and shipment from three U.S. warehouses. Univar Solutions and Brenntag are the other large national distributors for tank-truck quantities.
Physical data verified against the NIOSH Pocket Guide (npgd0577), the OSHA Occupational Chemical Database (624) and PubChem CID 1118. Always consult the product SDS in the RightPath SDS library before handling.