If you own or maintain 2-stroke (2-cycle) engines—like those found in chainsaws, scooters, hedge trimmers, or small motorcycles—knowing how to properly mix oil with gasoline is essential. These engines don’t have a separate oil reservoir for lubrication; instead, oil must be mixed directly into the fuel. Getting this ratio wrong can result in poor performance, excessive smoke, or even permanent engine damage.
📊 Mixing Chart: How Much Oil to Add per Liter of Gasoline
Table block:
| Liters of Gasoline | 2% Oil Mix | 2.5% Oil Mix | 3% Oil Mix | 4% Oil Mix | 5% Oil Mix |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 20 ml | 25 ml | 30 ml | 40 ml | 50 ml |
| 2 | 40 ml | 50 ml | 60 ml | 80 ml | 100 ml |
| 3 | 60 ml | 75 ml | 90 ml | 120 ml | 150 ml |
| 4 | 80 ml | 100 ml | 120 ml | 160 ml | 200 ml |
| 5 | 100 ml | 125 ml | 150 ml | 200 ml | 250 ml |
| 6 | 120 ml | 150 ml | 180 ml | 240 ml | 300 ml |
| 7 | 140 ml | 175 ml | 210 ml | 280 ml | 350 ml |
| 8 | 160 ml | 200 ml | 240 ml | 320 ml | 400 ml |
| 9 | 180 ml | 225 ml | 270 ml | 360 ml | 450 ml |
| 10 | 200 ml | 250 ml | 300 ml | 400 ml | 500 ml |
🧮 How Are These Values Calculated?
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To find the correct amount of oil, multiply the total fuel volume by the desired oil percentage:
Code block:
yamlCopiaModificaOil (ml) = Gasoline (liters) × Percentage × 1000
For example, for a 3% mix with 5 liters of gasoline:
yamlCopiaModifica5 L × 0.03 × 1000 = 150 ml of oil
📊 Mixing Chart: How Much Oil to Add per Gallon of Gasoline (IMPERIAL)
| Gallons of Gasoline | 2% Oil Mix | 2.5% Oil Mix | 3% Oil Mix | 4% Oil Mix | 5% Oil Mix |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.25 gal | 0.64 fl oz | 0.80 fl oz | 0.96 fl oz | 1.28 fl oz | 1.60 fl oz |
| 0.5 gal | 1.28 fl oz | 1.60 fl oz | 1.92 fl oz | 2.56 fl oz | 3.20 fl oz |
| 0.75 gal | 1.92 fl oz | 2.40 fl oz | 2.88 fl oz | 3.84 fl oz | 4.80 fl oz |
| 1 gal | 2.56 fl oz | 3.20 fl oz | 3.84 fl oz | 5.12 fl oz | 6.40 fl oz |
| 1.5 gal | 3.84 fl oz | 4.80 fl oz | 5.76 fl oz | 7.68 fl oz | 9.60 fl oz |
| 2 gal | 5.12 fl oz | 6.40 fl oz | 7.68 fl oz | 10.24 fl oz | 12.80 fl oz |
| 2.5 gal | 6.40 fl oz | 8.00 fl oz | 9.60 fl oz | 12.80 fl oz | 16.00 fl oz |
| 3 gal | 7.68 fl oz | 9.60 fl oz | 11.52 fl oz | 15.36 fl oz | 19.20 fl oz |
| 4 gal | 10.24 fl oz | 12.80 fl oz | 15.36 fl oz | 20.48 fl oz | 25.60 fl oz |
| 5 gal | 12.80 fl oz | 16.00 fl oz | 19.20 fl oz | 25.60 fl oz | 32.00 fl oz |
🧮 How Are These Values Calculated?
To find the correct amount of oil, multiply the total fuel volume (in gallons) by the desired oil percentage, and convert to fluid ounces:
yamlCopiaModificaOil (fl oz) = Gasoline (gallons) × Percentage × 128
For example, for a 3% mix with 5 gallons of gasoline:
yamlCopiaModifica5 gal × 0.03 × 128 = 19.2 fl oz of oil
Interactive calculator
Calcolo Olio per Miscela
⚙️ Which Mix Ratio Should You Use?
Bullet List block:
- 2% (50:1) – Common in modern engines; cleaner burning, less smoke.
- 2.5% (40:1) – Balanced protection and performance.
- 3% (33:1) – Older or more heavily used engines.
- 4–5% (25:1 to 20:1) – High-performance engines or older models with higher lubrication needs.
Always double-check the owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer. Using too little oil can cause engine seizure; too much can foul spark plugs and increase carbon deposits.
🛑 Mixing Tips and Safety
Bullet List block:
- Use a clean, fuel-approved container.
- Measure accurately — a kitchen measuring cup or graduated syringe works well.
- Mix thoroughly by shaking the container before filling your tank.
- Label your container to avoid confusion.
🧰 Conclusion
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Maintaining the proper fuel-oil ratio is one of the easiest ways to extend the life of your 2-stroke engine. Keep this chart handy in your garage or toolbox, and you’ll never have to guess how much oil to add again.
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