Diesel Consumption Calculator

Estimating Diesel Burn Rate From Power Output

Diesel engines and generators are rated by specific fuel consumption (SFC) — grams of fuel burned per kilowatt-hour of output — which makes converting a power rating into an expected fuel burn rate a quick calculation.

The Formula

Diesel Consumption = (Power(kW) × SFC(g/kWh)) / 1000

Typical diesel engine SFC at rated load runs 190–220 g/kWh; this calculator defaults to 210 if not specified.

Worked Example

A 100 kW generator running at rated load with 210 g/kWh SFC:

Consumption = (100 × 210) / 1000 = 21 kg/hr

How to Use This Calculator

Enter the engine or generator's Power Output in kW.
Optionally enter the manufacturer's SFC figure (defaults to 210 g/kWh).
Select Calculate to get diesel consumption in kg/hr.

Related Calculations

Need this in liters instead of kg? See the Fuel Volume Flow Calculator, or check engine efficiency in the BSFC Calculator.