How the LNG Converter Works
The LNG Converter divides liquefied natural gas (LNG) mass by its cryogenic liquid density. The default 0.45 kg/L fits a typical LNG cargo at −162°C (−260°F).
Know the composition
Lean LNG is nearly pure methane; rich LNG carries more ethane, propane and butane.
Enter the density
Use 0.43 kg/L for lean LNG or 0.47 kg/L for rich LNG.
Enter the mass
Type the LNG weight in kilograms or tonnes × 1,000.
Read the liquid volume
Divide by 1,000 for m³; the table gives gas volume and energy.
LNG Converter Formula
The LNG formula is Vliquid = m ÷ ρLNG. One volume of LNG turns into about 600 volumes of natural gas at 15°C and 1 atm.
- ρLNG
- LNG density at the boiling point, kg/L
- MMBtu
- Million British thermal units (BTU)
Worked Examples
- 1 tonne: 1,000 ÷ 0.45 = 2,222 L (2.22 m³).
- Truck trailer of 20 t: 20,000 ÷ 0.45 = 44,444 L of LNG.
- Q-Max carrier (266,000 m³): 266,000 × 0.45 = 119,700 t of LNG.
LNG Converter Conversion Table
1 tonne of LNG at 0.45 kg/L fills 2.22 m³ and becomes about 1,330 m³ of natural gas. The table converts LNG quantities.
| LNG Mass | Liquid (m³) | Gas at 15°C (m³) | Energy (MMBtu) | Energy (MWh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 t | 2.222 | 1,333.3 | 52.000 | 15.200 |
| 10 t | 22.222 | 13,333 | 520.00 | 152.00 |
| 20 t | 44.444 | 26,667 | 1,040.0 | 304.00 |
| 100 t | 222.22 | 133,333 | 5,200.0 | 1,520.0 |
| 1,000 t | 2,222.2 | 1,333,333 | 52,000 | 15,200 |
| 10,000 t | 22,222 | 13,333,333 | 520,000 | 152,000 |
| 70,000 t | 155,556 | 93,333,333 | 3,640,000 | 1,064,000 |
| 120,000 t | 266,667 | 160,000,000 | 6,240,000 | 1,824,000 |
What is an LNG Converter?
An LNG Converter is a calculator that converts liquefied natural gas mass into liquid volume, gas volume and energy.
Natural gas turns liquid when cooled to about −162°C at atmospheric pressure. Liquefaction shrinks the gas volume about 600 times, which makes ocean shipping practical.
LNG is mostly methane (85–99%). Heavier hydrocarbons raise both density and heating value, so cargo contracts price LNG by energy in MMBtu rather than by volume.
What are the Uses of an LNG Converter?
There are 4 main uses of an LNG Converter.
Cargo planning
Shippers convert carrier m³ into tonnes and energy.
Truck deliveries
Distributors convert trailer loads into customer gas volume.
Marine fuel
LNG-fueled ships convert bunker tonnes into tank volume.
Energy trading
Traders convert tonnes into MMBtu for pricing.