A US gallon of toluene weighs about 7.24 pounds (3.28 kg) at 20 °C. That figure comes from toluene’s density of 0.8669 g/mL, verified on PubChem. Toluene is heavier than common alcohols and ketones like isopropyl alcohol or acetone, but still lighter than water (8.34 lb/gal). Multiply gallons by 7.24 to estimate the net weight of toluene in any container.
What is the weight of toluene per gallon and liter?
Toluene (methylbenzene, CAS 108-88-3) has a density of 0.8669 g/mL at 20 °C. Density multiplied by volume gives net product weight. Use the values below to convert any volume of toluene to weight; add the container’s tare weight for gross shipping weight.
| Measure of toluene | Weight (at 20 °C) |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.8669 g/mL (0.867 kg/L) |
| 1 liter | 0.867 kg (1.91 lb) |
| 1 US gallon | 7.24 lb (3.28 kg) |
| 1 imperial (UK) gallon | 8.69 lb (3.94 kg) |
| 5-gallon pail (net) | ~36.2 lb (16.4 kg) |
| 55-gallon drum (net) | ~398 lb (181 kg) |
| Water, for comparison | 8.34 lb/gal (1.00 kg/L) |
To convert quickly: gallons × 7.24 = pounds of toluene. For custody transfer or precise batch weights, use the density stated on the batch Certificate of Analysis (COA) at your storage temperature, since density falls slightly as temperature rises.
How much does a 55-gallon drum of toluene weigh?
A full 55-gallon drum holds about 398 pounds (181 kg) of toluene as net product weight, because toluene’s density is 0.8669 g/mL, or roughly 7.24 pounds per gallon. Add the empty drum’s tare (a 55-gallon steel drum weighs about 40–50 lb) and gross weight lands near 438–448 lb. For totes and other volumes, use the net-weight figures below or our chemical density and volume calculator.
- 55-gallon drum: 55 gal × 7.24 lb/gal ≈ 398 lb of toluene, plus drum tare.
- 275-gallon IBC tote: 275 gal × 7.24 lb/gal ≈ 1,990 lb of product, plus tote tare.
- 330-gallon IBC tote: 330 gal × 7.24 lb/gal ≈ 2,388 lb of product, plus tote tare.
What are the key physical properties of toluene?
Toluene is a colorless aromatic hydrocarbon solvent used in coatings, adhesives, printing inks, and chemical synthesis. Its core physical constants, verified against PubChem, are below.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| CAS number | 108-88-3 |
| Density at 20 °C | 0.8669 g/mL |
| Weight per US gallon | ~7.24 lb (3.28 kg) |
| Molecular weight | 92.14 g/mol |
| Boiling point | 110.6 °C (231 °F) |
| Flash point | 4 °C (39 °F) — flammable |
| UN number / DOT class | UN1294, Class 3 flammable liquid, Packing Group II |
How does toluene compare in weight to other solvents?
Toluene is one of the heavier common industrial solvents per gallon — noticeably heavier than the alcohols and acetone, though still below water. The table compares net weight per US gallon at 20 °C using densities from PubChem.
| Liquid | Density (g/mL, 20 °C) | Weight per US gallon |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 1.000 | 8.34 lb |
| Toluene | 0.867 | 7.24 lb |
| Xylene | 0.864 | 7.21 lb |
| Acetone | 0.791 | 6.60 lb |
| Ethanol | 0.789 | 6.58 lb |
| Isopropyl alcohol (99%) | 0.785 | 6.55 lb |
For the lighter alcohols, see how much a gallon of isopropyl alcohol or acetone weighs.
Does temperature affect the weight of toluene?
Yes. Like most liquids, toluene expands as it warms, so its density — and therefore its weight per gallon — decreases slightly as temperature rises. The 0.8669 g/mL figure is measured at 20 °C, the standard reference temperature. For tank gauging, custody transfer, or precise batch weights, use the density stated on the COA at the reference temperature rather than an ambient reading. For ordering and freight estimates, 7.24 lb/gal is close enough.
What grades and sizes of toluene does RightPath stock?
RightPath Industries supplies bulk toluene in technical, ACS reagent, and other solvent grades, with a batch COA on every order. See the full aromatics category for related products. Typical packaging includes 5-gallon pails, 55-gallon drums, 275- and 330-gallon IBC totes, and bulk tank truck or rail quantities. Because toluene is a Class 3 flammable liquid (UN1294), it ships via licensed hazmat carriers — see our guide to DOT hazmat classes for solvents.
How do you order bulk toluene from RightPath?
Tell us the grade, package size, and quantity you need, plus your delivery ZIP for freight. We confirm grade, COA, lead time, and hazmat logistics up front. Request bulk pricing and a RightPath specialist will match the toluene grade and packaging to your process. For physical-property references, the authoritative source is the PubChem record for toluene (CID 1140).
Frequently asked questions
What is the density of toluene?
Toluene has a density of 0.8669 g/mL (0.867 kg/L) at 20 °C, per PubChem. That equals about 7.24 pounds per US gallon.
How much does a 55-gallon drum of toluene weigh?
A 55-gallon drum holds about 398 lb (181 kg) of toluene as net product weight. Add roughly 40–50 lb for a steel drum to get gross shipping weight.
Is toluene heavier than water?
No. Toluene’s density is 0.8669 g/mL versus water at 1.00 g/mL, so toluene is about 13% lighter. A gallon of toluene weighs 7.24 lb compared with 8.34 lb for water.
How do you convert gallons of toluene to pounds?
Multiply the number of US gallons by 7.24 to get the weight in pounds of toluene. For example, 20 gallons × 7.24 = 145 lb.
How much does a gallon of toluene weigh in kg?
A US gallon of toluene weighs about 3.28 kg at 20 °C, based on a density of 0.867 kg/L.
For a deeper look at this solvent beyond its weight, our complete guide to toluene properties and industrial uses covers grades, applications, and safe handling in bulk quantities.