How the Net Contents Converter Works
The Net Contents Converter subtracts container weight from gross weight and converts the net mass into volume. Enter the net mass in the calculator; the table lists typical container tare weights.
Weigh the full container
Record the gross mass on a scale.
Subtract the tare
Take away the empty container mass, from the label or the table below.
Enter the net mass and density
Type the product mass and its density.
Read the net volume
The liters shown give the product inside, without packaging.
Net Contents Converter Formula
The net contents formula is Vnet = (mgross − mtare) ÷ ρ.
- mgross
- Container plus contents, kg
- mtare
- Empty container, kg
- ρ
- Product density, kg/L
Worked Examples
- Steel drum of oil: (202 − 18) kg ÷ 0.92 = 200.0 L.
- Glass jar of honey: (0.68 − 0.23) kg ÷ 1.42 = 317 mL.
- IBC of water: (1,058 − 60) kg ÷ 1.000 = 998 L.
Net Contents Converter Conversion Table
An empty 200 L steel drum weighs about 18 kg (39.7 lb). The table lists typical tare weights and the net volume when the gross weight includes water.
| Container | Typical Tare (kg) | Gross with Water (kg) | Net Mass (kg) | Net Volume (L) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 mL PET bottle | 0.02 | 0.52 | 0.50 | 0.5 |
| 1 L glass bottle | 0.40 | 1.40 | 1.00 | 1.0 |
| 5 L HDPE jerrycan | 0.25 | 5.25 | 5.00 | 5.0 |
| 20 L HDPE jerrycan | 1.00 | 21.00 | 20.00 | 20.0 |
| 20 L steel pail | 1.60 | 21.60 | 20.00 | 20.0 |
| 200 L plastic drum | 9.00 | 209.00 | 200.00 | 200.0 |
| 200 L steel drum | 18.00 | 218.00 | 200.00 | 200.0 |
| 1,000 L IBC tote | 60.00 | 1,060.00 | 1,000.00 | 1,000.0 |
What is a Net Contents Converter?
A Net Contents Converter is a tool that removes packaging weight from a gross reading and converts the net product mass into volume.
Scales weigh product and package together. Net contents laws, such as the US Fair Packaging and Labeling Act and EU Directive 76/211/EEC, require labels to show product without packaging.
Tare weights vary between batches of containers. Average tare from 10 or more empties gives a more reliable figure than the first container on the shelf.
What are the Uses of a Net Contents Converter?
There are 4 main uses of a Net Contents Converter.
Goods receiving
Warehouses check delivered liters from gross weights.
Stock counts
Staff weigh opened drums to find liters left.
Label compliance
Packers verify declared volumes from weigh checks.
Returns and refunds
Suppliers credit unused product by net volume.