Gas units to kWh
To convert gas units to kWh, multiply the volume by the volume correction factor (1.02264) and the calorific value on your bill, then divide by 3.6. This calculator does it for metric and imperial meters and can also work backwards from kWh.
Example: Convert: gas units to kWh · Meter reading (or energy) 1,000 · Meter unit: cubic metres (m³) · Calorific value 39.5 kWh/m³ · Unit of the calorific value: MJ/m³ · Volume correction factor 1.0226 · Gas price (optional) 6 p/kWh → Result: 1,000 m³ = 11,220.63 kWh. Source: Wikipedia – Heat of combustion (calorific value, higher heating value). Updated: .
How it is calculated
kWh = m³ × 1.02264 × calorific value (MJ/m³) ÷ 3.6. With 1,000 m³ and a calorific value of 39.5 MJ/m³ that is about 11,220 kWh.
How the conversion works
A gas meter measures volume at the pressure and temperature in the pipe. The supplier corrects this to standard conditions with the volume correction factor, which is 1.02264 in Great Britain. The calorific value says how much heat one cubic metre releases when it burns; it is printed on your bill in megajoules per cubic metre, and one kWh equals 3.6 MJ.
Imperial meters
Older meters count in units of 100 cubic feet. Multiply the units by 2.83 to get cubic metres first, then continue as above. The calculator does this when you pick the imperial unit.
- Calorific value: look for it on the bill or in your online account.
- Smart meters usually report kWh directly, so no conversion is needed there.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert gas units to kWh?
Multiply the units in m³ by 1.02264 and by the calorific value in MJ/m³, then divide by 3.6. For imperial meters, multiply the units by 2.83 first.
What is the calorific value of gas?
It is the energy released per cubic metre when gas burns. In the UK it is around 39 MJ/m³, which equals roughly 10.9 kWh/m³. Your bill shows the exact figure.
Is one gas unit one kWh?
No. One metric unit (1 m³) is roughly 11 kWh, and one imperial unit (100 ft³) is roughly 31 kWh, depending on the calorific value.
Sources and legal basis
- Wikipedia – Heat of combustion (calorific value, higher heating value)
- Wikipedia – Natural gas (energy content)
As of: · Editorial policy
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