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Gas meters count volume (m³), but gas is billed in kWh. The energy in a cubic metre depends on the calorific value (Brennwert) of the gas, and in Germany also on the Zustandszahl. Both are on your gas bill.

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Cubic metres: from your bill, or the difference of two meter readings.
Where do I find this?

Read your gas meter and subtract the previous reading to get the m³ used in the period.

A gas bill shows the volume in m³ and, converted, in kWh.

On your gas bill. It differs by supplier and period, usually around 10 to 12.
Where do I find this?

Look for 'Brennwert', 'Hs' or 'calorific value' on the bill, in kWh per m³.

11 is only an example: use the value from your own bill, because it changes with the gas and the region.

Correction for pressure and temperature, about 0.9 to 1. Leave 1 if your bill has none.
Where do I find this?

German bills list the 'Zustandszahl' next to the Brennwert. The converted kWh on the bill uses both numbers.

If your bill does not show it, your volume is probably already corrected: leave 1.

Your gas price per kWh, from the bill or contract. Leave empty to skip the cost.
Where do I find this?

Look for 'Arbeitspreis' or 'price per kWh'. If it is in cents, divide by 100: 10 ct = 0.10.

0.10 is only an example.

Only changes the symbol; no exchange rate is applied.

Result

Enter your values to see the result.

Energy
– kWh
kWh per m³ used
– kWh/m³
Gas cost
–

Want this tracked for you? UtilityControl logs your meters and costs automatically.

How it is calculated

  • Energy (kWh) = volume (m³) × calorific value (kWh/m³) × Zustandszahl
  • Cost = energy (kWh) × price per kWh

Example

100 m³ with a calorific value of 11 kWh/m³ and a Zustandszahl of 0.95 is 100 × 11 × 0.95 = 1045 kWh. At 0.10 per kWh that costs 104.50.

What this estimate leaves out

Use the values from your own bill: the calorific value changes with the gas and the period. Fixed fees, network charges and taxes are not included.

Written and reviewed by QLines, Cologne · Last reviewed

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you convert gas m³ to kWh?

Multiply the volume in m³ by the calorific value in kWh per m³, and by the Zustandszahl if your bill has one. 100 m³ × 11 kWh/m³ × 0.95 = 1045 kWh.

What is the calorific value (Brennwert)?

It is the energy in one cubic metre of the gas, in kWh per m³. It depends on the gas mix and is on your gas bill. It is usually around 10 to 12 kWh/m³.

What is the Zustandszahl?

A correction factor for the gas pressure and temperature at your meter, usually a little below 1. It converts the volume read on the meter to a standard volume.

Why does my bill show a different kWh figure?

Your supplier uses the exact calorific value and Zustandszahl of each billing period. Use the values printed on your bill for the closest match.

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