How to use the camp stove fuel calculator
- Enter the number of people and the days of the trip.
- Enter the liters of water boiled per person each day, for drinking water you treat and for meals and hot drinks.
- Set the fuel used per liter. The 10 grams shown is an example, so test your own stove.
- Open More options for a spare share and the size of your canister, then read the grams, ounces and canisters to carry.
Formula
water = people x days x liters per person per day
fuel in grams = water x grams per liter x (1 + spare / 100)
ounces = grams / 28.349523125
canisters = fuel / fuel per canister, rounded up
The ounce figure uses the exact gram weight of an avoirdupois ounce. The canister count is rounded up because you cannot carry part of a canister.
2 people for 3 days
Two people boiling 1 liter each day for 3 days boil 6 liters. At 10 grams of fuel per liter that is 60 grams, or 2.12 ounces. A 20 percent spare share makes 72 grams, and one 227 gram canister covers it.
A group of 4 over 5 days at 0.75 liter each boils 15 liters and needs 150 grams. With canisters of 100 grams, that is 2 canisters.
Testing your own stove
The grams per liter depends on the stove, the pot, the wind, the air temperature, the starting water temperature and the altitude. Cold water at high altitude in a breeze can take much more fuel than warm water in still air. The most reliable method is to test: boil a measured amount at home, weigh the canister before and after, and use that figure.
Then add a margin. A delay, a storm or an extra hot drink can use more than planned, and a canister that runs out far from a store is a real problem. The spare share lets you decide how much margin you want.
Planning the trip
Use the same trip length in the Camping Food Calculator, the Hiking Time Calculator and the Packing List Generator. Always follow the stove maker for safe use and storage of fuel.
Assumptions and limits
- Every liter takes the same fuel. Cold, wind and altitude raise real use.
- Fuel use for frying or simmering is not separated from boiling water.
- The canister size is the net fuel weight printed on the can.
- Safety guidance from the stove maker always comes first.
Frequently asked questions
How much fuel does a camp stove use per liter?
It varies widely, so this page uses 10 grams as an example only. Boil a known amount, weigh the canister before and after, and use your result.
How much fuel do I need for a 3 day trip?
For two people boiling 1 liter each a day at 10 grams a liter, about 60 grams. Add a spare share of 20 percent or more for wind and cold.
How many canisters should I carry?
Divide the fuel needed by the net fuel weight on the canister and round up. Enter the weight in More options to see the count.
Why show the weight in ounces?
Many canisters and scales in the United States show ounces, so the page gives both grams and ounces.