Engine Oil Density Chart(For All Oil Types)

Engine oil density refers to the mass per unit volume of the oil, commonly measured in grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³) or kilograms per liter (kg/L). It tells you how tightly the oil’s molecules are packed.

Density varies by oil type and formulation. For example, synthetic oils tend to have more consistent densities than mineral oils. Knowing an oil’s density helps determine its behavior under different temperatures and pressures.

Engine Oil Density Chart

Oil Type	Base Oil Group	Use Case	Density @ 15°C (g/cm³)	Density @ 40°C (g/cm³)	Viscosity Grade
Conventional 10W-30	Group I	Gasoline Engines	0.885	0.860	10W-30
Conventional 20W-50	Group I	Older Engines	0.895	0.870	20W-50
Synthetic 0W-20	Group IV	Modern Gasoline	0.840	0.820	0W-20
Synthetic 5W-30	Group IV	All-Purpose	0.850	0.830	5W-30
Synthetic 5W-40	Group IV	Performance Engines	0.852	0.828	5W-40
Synthetic 10W-60	Group IV	Motorsport/High Heat	0.890	0.865	10W-60
Semi-Synthetic 10W-40	Group II/III	Light Trucks	0.870	0.845	10W-40
Synthetic Blend 5W-20	Group III+	Fuel Efficiency	0.845	0.822	5W-20
Diesel Engine Oil 10W-30	Group II/III	Light Diesel	0.875	0.850	10W-30
Diesel Engine Oil 15W-40	Group II/III	Heavy-Duty Diesel	0.885	0.860	15W-40
Full Synthetic Diesel 5W-40	Group IV	Turbo Diesel	0.854	0.830	5W-40
High Mileage Oil 10W-40	Group II	Older Vehicles	0.880	0.855	10W-40
Racing Oil 15W-50	Group IV	High Performance	0.890	0.865	15W-50
Motorcycle Oil 20W-50	Group II	Motorcycles	0.895	0.870	20W-50
Gearbox Oil SAE 75W-90	Group IV	Transmissions	0.900	0.880	75W-90
Hydraulic Oil ISO 46	Group II	Hydraulics/Industrial	0.865	0.840	ISO 46
Marine Engine Oil SAE 40	Group I	Marine Engines	0.890	0.865	SAE 40
Bio-Based Engine Oil 5W-30	Group V	Eco-friendly	0.870	0.845	5W-30
Natural Gas Engine Oil SAE 40	Group II	CNG/LNG Engines	0.875	0.850	SAE 40
Aviation Piston Engine Oil SAE 50	Group II	Aircraft Piston Eng.	0.915	0.890	SAE 50

Why Engine Oil Density Matters

Lubrication performance: Higher-density oils might perform better in hot conditions.
Flow rate: Affects how easily oil flows through engine parts.
Oil pressure: Impacts system pressure readings and wear protection.
Contaminant suspension: Heavier oils may trap and suspend debris differently.

Factors Affecting Engine Oil Density

Temperature Variations

Density decreases as temperature rises. Cold oil is denser and thicker, while hot oil is thinner and less dense. This is why multigrade oils (e.g., 5W-30) are designed to perform across temperature ranges.

Oil Composition

Different base stocks (Group I to Group V) have varying densities. For instance:

Group I mineral oils: 0.88 – 0.91 g/cm³
Group IV synthetics: ~0.84 – 0.87 g/cm³

Additive Packages

Additives like detergents, dispersants, and anti-wear agents influence the final density. High-performance oils packed with additives may weigh slightly more.

Understanding the Values in the Chart

Specific Gravity vs. Density

Specific gravity is the ratio of the oil’s density to the water’s density. It’s unitless and often used in technical datasheets. Density, however, is given with units and is more intuitive for practical comparison.

Density Ranges of Common Engine Oils

Light oils (0W, 5W): 0.82 – 0.86 g/cm³
Medium oils (10W-30 to 10W-40): 0.86 – 0.88 g/cm³
Heavy oils (15W-50, 20W-50): 0.88 – 0.90+ g/cm³

How to Use the Engine Oil Density Chart

Match to engine requirements: Check your owner’s manual.
Compare climate needs: Choose less dense oils for cold, and more dense for hot.
Cross-check with viscosity: Don’t confuse the two—both matter.
Review manufacturer datasheets: They often include density numbers.

Engine Oil Viscosity vs. Density

Though related, these properties are not the same:

Viscosity: Resistance to flow.
Density: Mass per unit volume.

High-density oils can still have low viscosity and vice versa. It’s all about molecular structure and additives.

Choosing the Right Oil Based on Density

Follow these steps:

Consult your vehicle’s spec sheet.
Evaluate driving habits (e.g., short trips vs. long hauls).
Review climate, warmer areas benefit from denser oils.
Consider oil change intervals.

Seasonal Considerations for Oil Density

In winter:

Opt for less dense, lower-viscosity oils (0W-20, 5W-30).

In summer:

Use denser oils like 10W-40 or 15W-50 to prevent thinning at high temps.

Density’s Impact on Fuel Efficiency

Lighter, less dense oils typically:

Reduce friction
Improve fuel economy
Provide faster lubrication on startup

Tips for Interpreting Oil Data

Look beyond viscosity grade.
Use API and SAE specifications.
Check density in product datasheets.
Don’t mix oils of drastically different densities.

FAQs

What is the density of engine oil?

The density of engine oil typically ranges between 0.84 to 0.91 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³) at 15°C, depending on its type (mineral, synthetic, or semi-synthetic) and viscosity grade.

In kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³), this is approximately 840 to 910 kg/m³.

What is the density of 15W40 engine oil?

The density of 15W-40 engine oil is usually around:

0.885 g/cm³ at 15°C
Or about 885 kg/m³

It can slightly vary depending on the manufacturer and whether it’s for gasoline or diesel engines.

Which oil is thicker, 10W30 or 5W30?

10W-30 is thicker than 5W-30, but only at low temperatures.

“10W” vs. “5W”: The “W” stands for winter. A 5W oil flows better in cold temperatures than 10W.
“30”: Both have the same viscosity at engine operating temperatures.

Summary:

At cold temperatures → 5W-30 is thinner and flows better
At hot temperatures → Both are equally thick

What is the density of 1 liter of oil?

If engine oil has an average density of 0.88 g/cm³, then:

1 liter (1,000 cm³) weighs approximately 880 grams (0.88 kg)
This value changes with temperature and formulation

So, 1 liter of oil weighs around 0.84 to 0.91 kg depending on the oil type.

What is the density of motor oil in kg/m³?

The density of motor oil in kg/m³ is typically:

Between 840 and 910 kg/m³ at 15°C

Again, this depends on:

Oil type (conventional vs. synthetic)
Additives
Viscosity grade

How many litres is 1 kg of oil?

To convert 1 kg of oil into liters, use this formula:

Liters = Mass (kg) ÷ Density (kg/L)

Assuming average oil density is 0.88 kg/L:

1 kg ÷ 0.88 = ~1.14 liters

So, 1 kilogram of oil is approximately 1.13 to 1.19 liters, depending on the exact density.

Final words

Understanding engine oil density is crucial for optimal vehicle performance, especially in extreme climates or heavy-use situations. Use the density chart as a guide, not a rule. Always consider your engine type, oil viscosity, and driving conditions when selecting oil.