How Much Does a Gallon of Acetone Weigh?

A US gallon of acetone weighs about 6.6 pounds (3.0 kg) at room temperature. Acetone’s density is roughly 0.791 g/mL at 20 °C, so one 3.785 L gallon holds about 2,994 g of liquid. The exact weight drops as temperature rises, because acetone expands and gets less dense when it warms.

Below is the full breakdown — weight by container size, the temperature effect, how acetone compares to water and other solvents, and how to order it in bulk from RightPath.

What Is the Density of Acetone?

Density is mass per unit volume, and it is what turns a volume you order (gallons, drums, totes) into the weight that shows up on a bill of lading. Acetone is lighter than water: water is 1.000 g/mL at 4 °C, while acetone sits near 0.79 g/mL. Reference density values for acetone (propan-2-one, CAS 67-64-1, PubChem CID 180):

Temperature	Density (g/mL)	Weight per US gallon
15 °C (59 °F)	0.796	6.63 lb
20 °C (68 °F)	0.791	6.60 lb
25 °C (77 °F)	0.785	6.55 lb

The difference between a cool warehouse and a hot loading dock is small on a single gallon but real across a tanker load, which is why acetone is bought and sold by net weight at a reference temperature, not by loose volume.

How Much Does Acetone Weigh by Container Size?

Using 0.791 g/mL (20 °C) for the liquid, here is the approximate weight of acetone alone — not counting the drum, tote, or tanker — for the fill sizes RightPath ships:

Volume	Acetone weight (lb)	Acetone weight (kg)
1 US gallon	6.6	3.0
5 gallon pail	33	15
55 gallon drum	363	165
275 gallon IBC tote	1,815	823
330 gallon IBC tote	2,178	988

Add container tare weight for shipping math: a steel 55-gallon drum adds roughly 40 lb empty, and a filled composite IBC tote of acetone runs well over a ton gross. For a self-serve number on any volume or temperature, use the RightPath density & volume-to-weight calculator.

Why Does Acetone Weigh Less Than Water?

Acetone molecules are relatively small and pack loosely because they interact mainly through weak dipole forces rather than the tight hydrogen-bond network that makes water dense. That lower density is the reason a gallon of acetone (about 6.6 lb) weighs roughly 1.7 lb less than a gallon of water (about 8.34 lb). It also means acetone floats on water and mixes with it fully in any ratio.

How Does Acetone Compare to Other Common Solvents?

Liquid	Density at 20 °C (g/mL)	Weight per US gallon (lb)
Acetone	0.791	6.6
Isopropyl alcohol (IPA)	0.786	6.55
Methanol	0.792	6.6
Toluene	0.867	7.23
Water	1.000	8.34

Key Physical Data for Acetone

Property	Value
Molecular formula	C₃H₆O
Molar mass	58.08 g/mol
Density (20 °C)	0.791 g/mL
Boiling point	56 °C (133 °F)
Flash point	−20 °C (−4 °F) — highly flammable
CAS number	67-64-1

For the authoritative record on acetone’s identity and physical constants, see the PubChem entry for acetone (CID 180). Because acetone’s flash point is far below room temperature, always confirm current handling and storage requirements on the supplier Safety Data Sheet before use.

Grades and Sizes We Stock

RightPath Industries supplies acetone in technical, ACS/reagent, and high-purity analytical (including HPLC) grades. Standard fill sizes are 5-gallon pails, 55-gallon drums, 275- and 330-gallon IBC totes, and bulk tanker quantities. Certificates of Analysis ship with every lot, and grade selection depends on your application — general cleaning and degreasing versus analytical or pharmaceutical use. See the acetone product page and our full solvents category.

How to Order Acetone from RightPath

Tell us the grade, volume, and delivery location, and we quote packaged or bulk acetone with a Certificate of Analysis and DOT-compliant shipping. RightPath serves industrial, laboratory, and manufacturing buyers with drum, tote, and tanker fulfillment. Request bulk pricing and we will turn your volume into a delivered weight and price.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many pounds is a 55-gallon drum of acetone?

About 363 lb (165 kg) of acetone at 20 °C, before adding the drum’s own weight. A steel 55-gallon drum adds roughly 40 lb empty, so gross weight is near 400 lb.

Is acetone heavier or lighter than water?

Lighter. Acetone’s density (~0.791 g/mL) is below water’s (1.000 g/mL), so a gallon of acetone weighs about 6.6 lb versus 8.34 lb for water, and acetone floats on water.

How do you convert gallons of acetone to pounds?

Multiply gallons by density in pounds per gallon. At 20 °C acetone is about 6.6 lb/gal, so 100 gallons × 6.6 = 660 lb. Use a reference temperature for accuracy on large volumes.

Does temperature change how much a gallon of acetone weighs?

Yes. Acetone expands as it warms, so a gallon weighs slightly less at 25 °C (~6.55 lb) than at 15 °C (~6.63 lb). The effect is small per gallon but adds up across bulk shipments.

What is the density of acetone in kg/m³?

About 791 kg/m³ at 20 °C, equivalent to 0.791 g/mL or 0.791 g/cm³.

How do you store acetone safely?

Store acetone in tightly sealed, original or approved containers inside a cool, dry, well-ventilated flammable-liquids storage area, kept below 25°C (77°F) and away from all ignition sources, heat, sunlight, and oxidizers. Acetone is a Class IB flammable liquid with a flash point of −20°C (−4°F), so vapor control and grounding are essential.

Because acetone (CAS 67-64-1) evaporates fast and its vapors are heavier than air, they can travel along the floor to a distant ignition source and flash back. Safe storage is mostly about controlling those vapors and keeping ignition sources away. Below is the practical detail, drawn from the acetone Safety Data Sheet and OSHA flammable-liquid standards — not a substitute for reading the SDS for your specific lot.

What makes acetone a storage hazard?

Acetone is one of the most useful solvents in industry, but its physical properties make it demanding to store. Its flash point sits far below room temperature, its vapors are denser than air, and it forms flammable mixtures across a wide range of concentrations. The table below summarizes the properties that drive storage decisions.

Property	Value	Storage implication
CAS number	67-64-1	Confirm on every SDS and label
Flash point	−20°C (−4°F)	Flammable at all normal storage temps
Boiling point	56°C (133°F)	High vapor pressure; evaporates fast
Specific gravity	0.788	Floats on water; affects spill response
Vapor density (vs. air)	~2.0	Vapors sink and travel to ignition sources
Flammable range	~2.5–13% in air	Wide range of ignitable mixtures
NFPA/OSHA class	Class IB flammable liquid	Flash point <73°F, boiling point ≥100°F
OSHA PEL (8-hr TWA)	1000 ppm	Ventilate to keep vapors below limit
NIOSH REL	250 ppm	Tighter voluntary target

Figures reflect the RightPath acetone product page and the OSHA/NIOSH Pocket Guide entry for acetone. Always verify against your current SDS.

Where should acetone be stored?

Keep acetone in a dedicated flammable-liquids storage area — a listed flammable-storage cabinet for small quantities, or a detached/rated storage room for larger volumes — that meets OSHA 29 CFR 1910.106. The area should be cool, dry, and mechanically ventilated, with containers kept out of direct sunlight and away from heat.

What temperature should acetone be stored at?

Store acetone below 25°C (77°F) whenever possible and never near heat sources, steam lines, or in unconditioned spaces that can spike in summer. Lower temperatures reduce vapor pressure and evaporative loss, and keep drums from pressurizing.

Do you need a flammable cabinet for acetone?

For most workplace quantities, yes. A listed flammable-storage cabinet is the simplest way to comply with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.106, which caps how much flammable liquid you can keep outside an approved cabinet or storage room. A proper cabinet is double-walled steel with a leak-tight sill, self-closing doors, and vent bungs, and it keeps acetone segregated from ignition sources. Match the cabinet’s rated capacity to how much acetone you actually keep on hand, and never store oxidizers in the same cabinet.

What should acetone be kept away from?

Keep acetone separated from strong oxidizers (nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide, chromic acid, and similar), which can react violently. Keep it away from open flames, sparks, hot surfaces, and static-generating operations. Store it apart from incompatible chemicals rather than co-mingling drums on the same pallet.

Where do you find acetone’s official storage specs?

Always confirm storage temperature, incompatibilities, and handling against the current acetone Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for your specific grade and supplier — the SDS Section 7 (handling and storage) and Section 10 (stability and reactivity) are the authoritative reference. RightPath provides an SDS with every acetone order; do not rely on generic figures for a tightly controlled process.

What PPE and controls do you need to handle acetone?

Use chemical splash goggles and a face shield for pouring, plus gloves made from a material rated for ketones — butyl rubber offers good resistance, while nitrile and latex break through quickly. Work in ventilated areas, bond and ground containers during transfer to prevent static discharge, and keep a Class B fire extinguisher accessible. Use non-sparking tools around open containers.

For spills, eliminate ignition sources first, ventilate, and absorb with a non-combustible absorbent (never sawdust). Consult the SDS and your site emergency plan before responding to anything beyond a minor spill.

How long does acetone last in storage?

Sealed, uncontaminated acetone stored correctly typically remains usable for two or more years, though it slowly absorbs atmospheric moisture once opened because it is fully miscible with water. For analytical and high-purity uses, rotate stock first-in-first-out, keep containers tightly closed, and re-test older lots against your specification before use. Lot control (available from RightPath) makes this traceable.

What grades and sizes of acetone does RightPath stock?

RightPath Industries supplies acetone (CAS 67-64-1) in multiple grades to match your application, from technical and industrial through higher-purity solvent grades. We fill from small packaging up to bulk, with lot control available for tightly specified processes.

Packaging	Typical use
Small pack / pails	Lab and low-volume operations
55-gallon drums	Standard industrial supply
275-gallon totes (IBC)	Higher-throughput manufacturing
Bulk tanker loads	Large-scale / continuous use

See the full acetone product page and browse related solvents in our catalog.

How do you order acetone from RightPath?

Request a quote through the RightPath pricing form, call 888-255-2401, or email sales@rightpathind.com. Tell us the grade, packaging size, and quantity you need, and we will cross-reference your current material, confirm availability, and can sequester and lot-control stock at one of our three U.S. warehouses for just-in-time delivery.

Request bulk pricing: Get an acetone quote →

Frequently asked questions

Is acetone flammable?

Yes. Acetone is a Class IB flammable liquid with a flash point of −20°C (−4°F), well below room temperature. Its vapors form ignitable mixtures in air and can travel to distant ignition sources, so it must be stored away from all heat, sparks, and flames.

Can acetone be stored in plastic containers?

Acetone is compatible with HDPE and metal for short-to-medium term storage but attacks many other plastics (PET, polystyrene, PVC). Use only the original container or a container material explicitly rated for acetone, and keep it tightly sealed.

Does acetone need to be stored in a flammable cabinet?

For most workplace quantities, yes. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.106 limits how much flammable liquid can be stored outside a listed flammable-storage cabinet or approved storage room. Check your quantities against the standard and your local fire code.

What should you not store near acetone?

Do not store acetone near strong oxidizers such as nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide, or chromic acid, or near ignition sources, heat, and direct sunlight. Keep it segregated from incompatible chemicals.

How should an acetone spill be handled?

Remove ignition sources, ventilate the area, and absorb small spills with a non-combustible absorbent. For larger releases, follow the SDS and your site’s emergency response plan and use appropriate PPE.

How do you dispose of acetone?

Waste acetone is a regulated hazardous waste in most cases and must not be poured down the drain. Collect it in a labeled, compatible waste container, keep it away from oxidizers and ignition sources, and route it through a licensed hazardous-waste hauler in line with EPA/RCRA and local rules. Check the SDS Section 13 (disposal) for your material.

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Sources & links: Acetone product page · Solvents category · External authority: NIOSH/OSHA Pocket Guide — Acetone

Whether you manage a large-scale manufacturing facility, oversee a commercial cleaning operation, or run a bustling laboratory, sourcing reliable, high-volume chemicals is a critical operational task. Acetone, a highly versatile and powerful solvent, is a staple in countless industries. But navigating the chemical supply chain can be complex. If you find yourself asking where to buy acetone in bulk, this guide to industrial acetone suppliers and bulk purchasing is exactly the resource you need to streamline your procurement process, ensure safety compliance, and secure the best pricing.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about purchasing bulk acetone, from understanding chemical grades and evaluating suppliers to mastering storage and shipping regulations.

Understanding Your Application: Which Grade Do You Need?

Before reaching out to suppliers, it is crucial to pinpoint exactly what type of acetone your operation requires. Not all solvents are manufactured to the same specifications, and using the wrong grade can ruin a production run or inflate your budget unnecessarily.

Technical Grade vs. Reagent Grade

The primary difference between technical and reagent grade acetone lies in their purity levels and intended applications.

1. Technical Grade Acetone: This is the standard industrial grade. It typically boasts a purity of around 99% or slightly higher. It is incredibly effective for heavy-duty degreasing, thinning fiberglass resins, dissolving adhesives, and cleaning manufacturing equipment.
2. Reagent Grade Acetone (or ACS Grade): This grade undergoes rigorous purification processes to meet standards set by the American Chemical Society. It is used in analytical laboratories, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and sensitive high-tech applications where even trace impurities could compromise results.

When you are looking for high-purity industrial grade chemical solvents, it is essential to communicate your exact application to your supplier to ensure you are not overpaying for analytical purity when a standard technical grade would suffice.

Solvent Comparisons for Industrial Cleaning

Facility managers frequently debate the merits of bulk acetone versus isopropyl alcohol for cleaning. While both are excellent solvents, acetone evaporates much faster and is a stronger degreaser, making it ideal for removing heavy resins, paints, and waxes. Isopropyl alcohol (IPA), on the other hand, is less aggressive, making it safer for delicate plastics, electronics, and medical device sanitation.

Finding Reliable Industrial Suppliers

The chemical market is vast, and knowing where to source your materials safely is paramount. The chemical distribution networks in North America are robust, consisting of global manufacturers, massive national distributors, and agile regional blenders.

Sourcing Bulk Acetone Suppliers

When looking for bulk acetone suppliers for industrial use, you generally have three options:

1. Direct Manufacturers: Ideal for massive, ongoing chemical needs (e.g., full tanker trucks).
2. National Chemical Distributors: These companies buy in astronomical quantities and break them down into totes and drums. They offer vast catalogs and strong logistical support.
3. Local/Regional Distributors: Often provide faster shipping and more personalized customer service for mid-sized operations.

Vetting Your Partners

You should never partner with a chemical vendor without first verifying industrial chemical supplier certifications. Look for suppliers who are ISO 9001 certified for quality management and members of the National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD). These certifications ensure that the supplier adheres to strict safety, environmental, and quality control standards.

Navigating Costs: Pricing and Procurement Strategies

Developing a smart wholesale solvent procurement strategy can save your company thousands of dollars annually. Because acetone is a byproduct of phenol production (which is tied to the petrochemical industry), acetone pricing fluctuates based on crude oil prices, supply chain disruptions, and global manufacturing demands.

Understanding Acetone Costs

If you are buying mid-level volumes, you are likely looking at drum pricing. The average acetone 55 gallon drum price can vary significantly—usually ranging from $300 to $600 depending on the current market, the grade of the chemical, and shipping distances.

To lower these costs, you need to understand what the bulk discount tiers for solvents are:

1. Pails (5-gallon): Highest cost per gallon.
2. Drums (55-gallon): Standard industrial unit; moderate discount.
3. Totes/IBCs (275 to 330-gallon): Significant cost savings per gallon; requires forklift access.
4. Bulk Tanker Trucks (5,000+ gallons): The lowest cost per gallon, reserved for massive industrial consumers with built-in storage silos.

Structuring Your Purchases

Securing bulk chemical purchasing contracts and lead times is the backbone of a resilient supply chain. Rather than buying on the spot market, negotiate semi-annual or annual contracts. This locks in your pricing (or establishes a predictable index-based pricing model) and guarantees your allocation even during chemical shortages. Always build buffer time into your lead times, as hazardous material logistics can occasionally face unforeseen delays.

Safety First: Storage, Handling, and Compliance

Buying bulk acetone is only half the battle; managing it safely at your facility is just as important. Acetone is a highly flammable liquid with a very low flashpoint (-4°F or -20°C), meaning its vapors can easily ignite at normal room temperatures.

Safe Storage Protocols

If you are wondering how to store large quantities of acetone safely, the answer lies in strict adherence to federal and local fire codes. You must follow the OSHA chemical storage requirements for flammable liquids to the letter. Key protocols include:

1. Grounding and Bonding: When dispensing bulk acetone from a 55-gallon drum or tote, all containers must be grounded and bonded to prevent static electricity buildup, which can cause a spark.
2. Flammable Storage Cabinets: Drums and smaller containers should be stored in certified fire-resistant cabinets or dedicated, explosion-proof storage rooms.
3. Ventilation: Acetone vapors are heavier than air and will pool near the floor. Proper floor-level exhaust ventilation is mandatory to prevent vapor accumulation.
4. Temperature Control: Store bulk acetone in cool, dry areas away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and incompatible chemicals (like strong oxidizers or acids).

Documentation and Training

Always maintain up-to-date Material Safety Data Sheets for industrial solvents (now globally referred to as Safety Data Sheets, or SDS). These documents must be readily accessible to all employees handling the chemical. They provide critical information on first aid, fire-fighting measures, and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, such as splash goggles and butyl rubber gloves.

Logistics and Shipping Regulations

Transporting highly flammable solvents is a heavily regulated process. Understanding the shipping regulations for hazardous bulk chemicals will help you avoid costly fines and delivery delays.

In the United States, the Department of Transportation (DOT) classifies acetone as a Class 3 Flammable Liquid. This means that any acetone bulk suppliers you work with must use specialized, licensed HAZMAT carriers to deliver your product. Ensure your facility is equipped to safely receive HAZMAT deliveries, which includes having proper loading docks, spill containment pallets, and trained receiving personnel ready to inspect the shipment upon arrival.

Environmental Responsibility and Disposal

The lifecycle of your bulk acetone doesn’t end once it has been used. Industrial facilities must carefully manage the environmental impact of large scale acetone disposal. Acetone is considered a hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) due to its ignitability.

1. Never Pour Down the Drain: Disposing of acetone in standard sewer systems is illegal and highly dangerous, as it can cause explosions in the sewer lines and severe environmental damage.
2. Solvent Recycling: One of the most cost-effective and eco-friendly strategies for high-volume users is on-site or off-site solvent distillation. Acetone can be easily distilled and reused multiple times for cleaning purposes, drastically reducing waste disposal costs.
3. Licensed Waste Haulers: Any spent acetone that cannot be recycled must be collected in sealed, labeled drums and handled by a licensed hazardous waste hauler.

Conclusion

Procuring bulk solvents doesn’t have to be an overwhelming challenge. By understanding your specific application needs, vetting your distribution partners, and negotiating smart contracts, you can build a highly efficient supply chain. More importantly, by strictly adhering to OSHA and DOT regulations, you ensure that your facility remains a safe environment for your team. Use this guide to optimize your solvent procurement strategy, secure the best pricing, and maintain a seamless, compliant operation year-round.

RightPath Industries offers the best pricing on high purity solvents and we are going to do our best to prove it.  For the rest of 2017 we have high purity  Dichloromethane Distilled in Glass Grade, Methanol HPLC Grade, Acetone HPLC Grade, and ACS Grade Nitric Acid all at significantly reduced pricing.  If you are looking to save your analytical lab money feel free to purchase online or contact us today to see how you can save by working with RightPath Industries.  We currently carry over 500 different chemicals in our online store feel free to visit, order or even get a quote and see the difference.

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