For a 2% mixture with 10 liters of gasoline you need exactly 200 ml of oil. The quick formula is: liters of gasoline × percentage × 10 = ml of oil. So 10 × 2 × 10 = 200 ml.
Calculate your mixture
Enter the liters of gasoline and the percentage required by your 2-stroke engine. For 10 liters the calculation is already set up.
Mixture table: oil needed for 10 liters of gasoline
| Percentage | Gasoline:oil ratio | Oil per 10 L of gasoline |
|---|---|---|
| 1% | 100:1 | 100 ml |
| 2% | 50:1 | 200 ml |
| 2.5% | 40:1 | 250 ml |
| 3% | 33:1 | 300 ml |
| 4% | 25:1 | 400 ml |
| 5% | 20:1 | 500 ml |
Reference: two-stroke gasoline engines (brush cutters, chainsaws, scooters, outboard marine engines).
The 2-stroke mixture formula explained
The rule of thumb is simple and takes 5 seconds to memorize:
liters × percentage × 10 = ml of oil
Example for 10 liters at 2%:
10 × 2 × 10 = 200 ml of oil
Example for 5 liters at 3%:
5 × 3 × 10 = 150 ml of oil
Example for 25 liters at 2.5%:
25 × 2.5 × 10 = 625 ml of oil
Complete mixture table: percentages × liters of gasoline
| Liters of gasoline | Oil at 2% (50:1) | Oil at 3% (33:1) | Oil at 4% (25:1) | Oil at 5% (20:1) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 L | 100 ml | 150 ml | 200 ml | 250 ml |
| 10 L | 200 ml | 300 ml | 400 ml | 500 ml |
| 15 L | 300 ml | 450 ml | 600 ml | 750 ml |
| 20 L | 400 ml | 600 ml | 800 ml | 1,000 ml |
| 25 L | 500 ml | 750 ml | 1,000 ml | 1,250 ml |
Common mistakes when preparing the mixture
- Confusing percentage and ratio: 2% means 50:1, NOT 50%. Adding 50 ml of oil instead of 200 ml to 10 liters of gasoline ruins the engine.
- Wrong oil: using four-stroke engine oil (cars / four-stroke scooters) in a 2-stroke engine means certain failure. You need specific 2-stroke oil (synthetic or mineral).
- Old mixture: the mixture degrades within 30-60 days. Oil and gasoline separate and lose their lubricating power.
- Rough measuring: use a graduated measuring container (eyeballing 200 ml of oil straight from a can is a common mistake).
Synthetic or mineral oil for 2-stroke engines?
Synthetic oil burns cleaner, cuts emissions and protects better at high revs: ideal for modern scooters, professional brush cutters and chainsaws in continuous use. Mineral oil costs less and suits older engines or occasional use (rotary tillers, old marine engines). Always check the specification required by the manual (e.g. JASO FB, FC, FD).
Frequently asked questions
How much oil for 10 liters of mixture at 3%?
You need 300 ml of 2-stroke oil to add to 10 liters of gasoline. Formula: 10 × 3 × 10 = 300 ml. The ratio is 33:1 (33 parts gasoline, 1 part oil).
What is the difference between synthetic and mineral oil for 2-stroke mixtures?
Synthetic oil (e.g. JASO FD) burns cleaner, reduces smoke and deposits and protects better at high revs. It costs more than mineral oil but is mandatory on modern 2-stroke engines with a catalytic converter. Mineral oil is fine on older engines that are used occasionally.
How do I work out the right percentage for my 2-stroke engine?
Always check the owner's manual or the label on the tank. Typical percentages are: 2% for modern engines with synthetic oil, 3-4% for older engines, 5% for first starts / running-in. When in doubt, use the highest recommended percentage.
How many ml of oil are needed for 1 liter of mixture at 2%?
For 1 liter of gasoline at 2% you need 20 ml of oil (1 × 2 × 10 = 20). This is useful to know for small quantities measured with a graduated syringe or a dosing cap.