Calculators › Gas Unit Converter
🔄

Gas Unit Converter

MCF ↔ MMBTU & Energy Cost Conversions

EIA Standards GPA 2172
Advertisement
MCF to MMBTU Converter
Converts natural gas volumes (MCF) to energy content (MMBTU) using heating value. Essential for gas sales, energy accounting, and pipeline tariff calculations. Heating values aligned with EIA Natural Gas Monthly data.
Calculation Mode:

Energy/Volume Conversion

MCF

Gas Heating Value

Standard conditions: 14.73 psia, 60°F

📚 Learn the Theory

Understand mcf to mmbtu principles, calculations, and industry applications

Read Engineering Guide →

Engineering Reference

Core Conversion

MCF to MMBTU conversion depends on heating value (BTU/CF) of the gas stream.

MMBTU = MCF × (BTU/CF ÷ 1,000)

Unit Equivalents

1 MMBTU = 1 Dekatherm = 10 Therms
1 MMBTU = 1.055056 GJ (SI)
1 Therm = 100,000 BTU

EIA Reference Values

2023 U.S. average delivered: 1,038 BTU/CF

ComponentBTU/CF
Methane (CH₄)1,010
Ethane (C₂H₆)1,770
Propane (C₃H₈)2,516

Standard Conditions

Volume basis: 14.73 psia, 60°F
For other pressure bases, apply correction:

MCF₂ = MCF₁ × (P₁ ÷ P₂)

Sources: EIA Natural Gas Monthly, GPA 2172-96 (vapor pressure), NIST thermochemical BTU. Heating values vary by gas composition—contact your gas supplier for actual values.

⚡ Quick Reference

Pipeline Quality1,038 BTU/CF
High BTU1,100 BTU/CF
Dry Gas1,020 BTU/CF
Wet Gas1,050 BTU/CF
Landfill Gas500 BTU/CF
Advertisement
Advertisement

Gas Heating Value Reference

📊 Heating Values by Gas Type

Gas Type BTU/CF Typical Use
Pipeline Quality 1,038 Delivered to consumers
High BTU 1,100 Ethane-rich pre-processing
Low BTU 950 CO₂/N₂ diluted streams
Propane Rich 1,150 High NGL content
Wet Gas 1,050 Unprocessed wellhead
Dry Gas 1,020 Post-NGL extraction
Residue Gas 1,000 Deep-cut processing
LNG Regasified 1,030 Import terminal output
Landfill Gas 500 ~50% CH₄, ~50% CO₂

🔬 Key Formulas

Volume → Energy:

MMBTU = MCF × BTU/CF × 1,000 ÷ 1,000,000

Energy → Volume:

MCF = MMBTU × 1,000,000 ÷ (BTU/CF × 1,000)

Pressure Base Correction:

Volume₂ = Volume₁ × (P₁ ÷ P₂)

Monthly Volume (avg):

Monthly MCF = Daily MCF × 30.4375

📝 Notes for Engineers

  • Standard Conditions: All values at 14.73 psia, 60°F per GPA/ANSI 2145. Some regions use 14.65 or 15.025 psia—apply pressure correction as needed.
  • Dry vs. Saturated: Saturated gas has lower BTU/CF due to water vapor displacement. Use GPA 2172-96 correction factor (0.25636 psi vapor pressure at 60°F).
  • MMBTU ≈ Dekatherm: Industry standard treats 1 MMBTU = 1 Dth. Technically 1 Dth = 10 therms = 1,000,000 BTU (thermochemical), slight variance exists.
  • Pipeline Tariffs: Most interstate pipelines bill in MMBTU. Conversion factors (BTU factors) are published in pipeline tariffs and may differ from defaults shown here.
  • Gas Quality: Actual heating values depend on gas composition. Rich gas (high C₂+) has higher BTU; lean gas (high CH₄) trends toward 1,010 BTU/CF.

Related Calculators

💨

Gas Density

Calculate gas density with compressibility
💧

Pipeline Hydraulics

Calculate total pipeline pressure drop
📏

Line Sizing

Optimize pipeline diameter selection
📊

Pipe Volume

Calculate pipeline internal volume