
Jet fuel, or aviation turbine fuel (ATF), is a type of fuel designed for aircraft powered by gas-turbine engines. The weight of jet fuel varies depending on its type and temperature. For example, JP-5, a type of jet fuel used in US naval air stations, has a weight of 6.8 pounds per US gallon (0.81 kg/L) and a high flash point of 60 °C or 140 °F. Jet A and Jet A-1 are the most commonly used jet fuels in commercial aviation and are produced to standardized international specifications. Jet B is another type of jet fuel used for its improved performance in cold weather. The weight of jet fuel can be calculated using its specific gravity, which is typically around 0.79 to 0.795 for Jet A1 fuel, resulting in a weight of approximately 0.79 to 0.795 kg per litre.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Jet Fuel Types | Jet A, Jet A-1, Jet B, JP-4, JP-5, JP-8, Avgas |
| Jet Fuel Composition | Mixture of hydrocarbons, including alkanes, naphthenes, and aromatic hydrocarbons |
| Jet Fuel Appearance | Colorless to straw-colored |
| Jet Fuel Density | Jet A: 6.75 pounds per gallon, Jet A Prist: 6.75 pounds per gallon, 100LL: 6.0 pounds per gallon, Jet A1: 0.79-0.795 kg/L |
| Jet Fuel Weight | Approximately 6.8 pounds per gallon (0.81 kg/L) |
| Jet Fuel Freezing Point | Varies, but can be as low as -46 °C (-51 °F) for JP-5 |
| Jet Fuel Flash Point | Higher for aircraft carrier fuel, minimum 60 °C (140 °F) for JP-5 |
| Jet Fuel Health Hazards | Vary depending on components, exposure duration, route, and phase; can contain toxicants |
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What You'll Learn

Jet fuel weight conversion
One gallon of jet fuel weighs approximately 6.75 to 6.8 pounds, or 0.81 kilograms. This is the weight of Jet-A and Jet-A Prist jet fuel, which are commonly used in aviation. Jet B fuel, which is used for its enhanced cold-weather performance, may have a slightly different weight due to its different composition.
When converting jet fuel weight, it is important to consider the specific gravity or density of the fuel. Jet A1 fuel, for example, has a specific gravity of 0.79 or 0.795, which means that one litre of Jet A1 fuel weighs 0.79 or 0.795 kilograms. This conversion factor can be used to calculate the weight of jet fuel in litres or kilograms.
Additionally, the weight of jet fuel can vary depending on the standards and specifications set for its use. For example, jet fuel used on aircraft carriers may have a higher flash point and freezing point, which can affect its weight. Overall, the weight of jet fuel can range from 6.75 to 6.8 pounds per gallon or 0.79 to 0.81 kilograms per litre, depending on the specific type and composition of the fuel.
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Jet fuel types
Jet fuel, also known as aviation turbine fuel (ATF or avtur), is a type of aviation fuel designed for aircraft powered by gas-turbine engines. Jet fuel is a mixture of various hydrocarbons, and its exact composition varies based on the petroleum source. The most common types of jet fuel are Jet A and Jet A-1, which are produced according to international specifications. Jet A is mainly used in the United States, while Jet A-1 is the standard specification fuel used in most other countries. Both types have a flash point higher than 38°C (100°F) and an auto-ignition temperature of 210°C (410°F). The key differences between them are in their freezing points and the presence of additives. Jet A has a higher freezing point of -40°C, while Jet A-1 has a lower freezing point of -47°C, making it suitable for long-haul international flights, especially over polar routes. Jet A-1 also contains static dissipater additives, reducing static charges that can form during fuel movement.
Another type of jet fuel is Jet B, which is less commonly used due to its higher flammability and handling risks. Jet B is a naphtha-kerosene blend with a freezing point of -60°C to -76°C, making it suitable for extremely cold climates like Alaska, Canada, and northern Russia. Its low freezing point is advantageous in cold weather conditions, but its low flash point makes it dangerous to handle, limiting its widespread use.
Kerosene-type jet fuels, including Jet A, Jet A-1, JP-5, and JP-8, have a carbon number distribution between 8 and 16 carbon atoms per molecule. Wide-cut or naphtha-type jet fuels, such as Jet B and JP-4, have a carbon number distribution between 5 and 15. Turbine engines, similar to diesel engines, can operate with a wide range of fuels due to the injection of fuel into the hot combustion chamber.
With a growing emphasis on sustainability, the aviation industry is exploring alternative fuel sources like hydrogen power, electric batteries, and natural gas as potential mid-term solutions to reduce carbon emissions. Sustainable aviation fuel, also known as aviation biofuel, is another ecological alternative that contributes to the industry's efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
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Jet fuel composition
Jet fuel is a mixture of a variety of hydrocarbons. The exact composition of jet fuel varies widely based on its petroleum source, so it is defined as a performance specification rather than a chemical compound. The range of molecular mass between hydrocarbons (or different carbon numbers) is defined by the requirements for the product, such as the freezing point or smoke point.
Kerosene-type jet fuel (including Jet A, Jet A-1, JP-5, and JP-8) has a carbon number distribution of about 8 to 16 carbon atoms per molecule. It is derived from the distillation of crude oil at atmospheric pressure or from catalytic, thermal, or steam cracking of heavier petroleum streams (cracked kerosene). Kerosene-type jet fuel is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons, containing alkanes, naphthenes, and aromatic hydrocarbons. Aromatic hydrocarbons such as alkylbenzenes and naphthalenes do not exceed 25% of the total. Kerosene-based hydrocarbon fuels may contain up to 260+ aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbon compounds, including toxicants such as benzene, n-hexane, toluene, xylenes, trimethylpentane, methoxyethanol, and naphthalenes.
Wide-cut or naphtha-type jet fuel (including Jet B and JP-4) has a carbon number distribution of about 5 to 15. Jet B is a naphtha-kerosene fuel that is used for its enhanced cold-weather performance, primarily in northern Canada and Alaska. It is a blend of approximately 30% kerosene and 70% gasoline, with a very low freezing point of −60 °C (−76 °F).
The first axial compressor jet engine in widespread production and combat service, the Junkers Jumo 004, burned either a special synthetic "J2" fuel or diesel fuel. Other fuels used were kerosene or kerosene and gasoline mixtures. Most jet fuels in use since World War II are kerosene-based.
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Jet fuel taxation
The weight of jet fuel depends on its type and temperature. For example, JP-5 jet fuel weighs 6.8 pounds per US gallon (0.81 kg/L) and has a high flash point of a minimum of 60 °C or 140 °F. Jet-A fuel weighs 6.75 pounds per gallon. Jet fuel or aviation turbine fuel (ATF) is typically straw-coloured or colourless. The most commonly used jet fuels are Jet A and Jet A-1, which are produced according to an international standardised specification. Jet B is another commonly used jet fuel, favoured for its performance in cold weather.
In the United States, jet fuel is subject to an average tax of $0.28 per US gallon, with most of the tax imposed at the federal level. However, taxation varies from state to state, with some states offering rebates or imposing annual gallon caps. In Canada, taxation policies for jet kerosene vary at the provincial level, often mirroring gasoline tax schemes. Alberta provides tax rebates on jet fuel for flights terminating in international destinations, while Ontario taxes aviation fuel for international flights. Canada also implements additional indirect taxation on fuel through carbon pricing, similar to the EU's emissions trading scheme.
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Jet fuel hazards
Jet fuel is a mixture of hydrocarbons, including alkanes, naphthenes, and aromatics. It is a kerosene-based fuel that powers aircraft gas-turbine engines. The specific composition of jet fuel varies depending on the petroleum source, but it typically has a carbon number distribution between 5 and 16. The weight of jet fuel varies with its type, for instance, Jet-A weighs 6.75 pounds per gallon.
Jet fuel exposure has been linked to several adverse health effects. The hazards depend on the duration of exposure, route of administration, and exposure phase. The general health risks associated with jet fuel exposure include effects on the nervous system, respiratory system, mental health, and an increased risk of certain cancers.
Occupational exposure to jet engine emissions is a significant hazard, with airport personnel and residents living close to airports at risk. Jet engine emissions contain large amounts of nano-sized particles that can reach the lower airways upon inhalation, leading to adverse health effects similar to those associated with diesel exhaust exposure. These effects include respiratory symptoms, such as labored breathing, cough with phlegm, and a stuffy or runny nose.
The complex mixture of hydrocarbons in jet fuel may contain toxicants such as benzene, n-hexane, toluene, xylenes, and naphthalene. These compounds can be absorbed through inhalation, dermal contact, or ingestion. While time-weighted average exposures may be below recommended limits, peak exposure can have unknown health impacts.
Veterans and military personnel may also be at risk of jet fuel exposure during their service, especially those performing jobs such as aircraft fueling, transporting jet fuel, or maintaining storage tanks. The specific health effects of jet fuel exposure are still being investigated, and more research is needed to fully understand the long-term consequences.
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Frequently asked questions
Jet fuel weighs 6.75 pounds per gallon for Jet-A and Jet-A Prist, and 6.8 pounds per gallon for JP-5.
Jet fuel weighs approximately 0.79-0.795 kg per litre for Jet A-1.
The weight of jet fuel can vary depending on its specific gravity and density. The composition of jet fuel can vary based on the petroleum source, resulting in differences in weight.




























