How to Read a Gas Meter

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Your gas meter is mounted outside your home near your gas pipes. It reads how much natural gas your household uses. Knowing how to read your gas meter helps you understand how much gas you’re using and allows you to make sure the gas company is charging you for the right amount of gas. Your meter may be an analog dial meter or an electric meter, both of which are easy to read once you know how they work.

Reading Dials on a Gas Meter

Read the dials on the meter from left to right. Look at the needle of each dial to find the number and record the numbers side by side without gaps between them. Keep in mind that the hands of adjacent dials rotate in opposite directions to each other.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using an Analog Dial Meter

PDF download Download Article
  1. Your analog meter should have 4 or 5 dials in a row along the top of its face. Together, they produce a 4- or 5- digit reading. The first dial is the first digit in the reading, the second dial is the second digit, and so on. [1]
    • Most analog gas meters have 4 dials, but yours may have 5. The number of dials depends on the type of meter used by your gas company, as well as when it was manufactured.
    • When a smaller dial makes a revolution, the next-higher dial goes up 1 point.
    • Keep in mind that dials rotate in the opposite direction of the 1 next to them. For example, the first and third dials might turn counter clockwise, while the second and fourth dials turn clockwise.
  2. Each dial represents 1 digit in the number. The first dial is the thousands digit, the second dial is the hundreds, the third dial is the tens, and the fourth dial is the ones. [2]
    • If there is a fifth dial, then your reading will go up into the tens of thousands.
    Advertisement
  3. Always choose the smaller of the 2 numbers when the needle is between numbers. The needle will slowly move to the next number as the dial below it makes its revolution. This means the dial still represents the smaller number until the needle reaches the next highest digit. [3]
    • For example, if the needle is pointing between 4 and 5, you’d write down 4. This is true even if the needle is closer to the 5.
    • If the needle is pointing between 0 and 9, you’d choose 9 even though it’s a higher number, since it comes before 0 on the dial.
  4. Each dial gives you 1 digit in a single number, so there’s no need to separate them. Think of it as 1 reading, not 4 or 5 separate readings. [4]
    • For example, let’s say the first dial reads 5, the second dial reads 2, the third dial reads 7, and the fourth dial reads 4. Your reading would be 5274.
  5. When a dial is completing or beginning a revolution, the dial to its left will be hovering over a number. For example, you might see a needle pointing at the number 3. However, you shouldn't use the number the needle is pointing at until the dial to its right has fully completed its revolution. Check that the dial to the right has passed 0, which means the revolution is complete. [5]
    • If the dial to its right has passed 0, then use the number the needle is hovering over. If it has not passed 0, then still use the smaller number.
    • For example, the needle on a dial may hover over the number 3. Check that the dial to the right to see if it’s passed 0. If it did, use the 3. If not, use 2.
  6. In some cases, the gas company may read the last dial differently, since it’s the smallest digit in the reading. They may always round this digit up to the next highest number, or they may use the number the needle is closest to. If you want to estimate your bill or compare readings, it’s important to know how they take this reading.
    • You can call and talk to customer service, or you can check their website. If you’re comfortable waiting until you get your next bill, you can compare your reading to their reading to see if it’s the same or not.
  7. Some meters have extra dials that the gas company uses for things like checking for accuracy. However, these dials have nothing to do with your actual reading, so you can disregard them. The only dials that matter are the main dials, which are all the same size and neatly lined up.
    • The extra dials, if they are present, will be smaller or larger than the ones used for taking a reading.
    8. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Checking a Digital Meter

PDF download Download Article
  1. Gas meters are more likely to be analog than electric meters. Before you take your reading, verify that the meter is attached to your gas line, not near your powerline. [6]
    • It’s helpful to locate both meters before you take a reading.
  2. If you live in the United States, your meter will likely be in imperial units, such as cubic feet. If you live in an area that uses the metric system, however, you’ll likely see metric units, such as cubic meters. [7]
    • If you have an imperial meter, your display panel should have ft 3 next to it to represent cubic feet. It will likely also have a panel with 4 digits, and possibly 2 decimal points.
    • If you have a metrical meter, you should see m 3 for cubic meters. The meter will likely have 5 digits, as well as 3 decimal points.
  3. Digital meters are super easy to use because they give you an exact reading. All you have to do is look at the screen! The reading should be a 4- or 5-digit number, but you may see a few 0s in front of it. Just disregard the 0s.
    • The number that appears on the screen represents your usage. There’s no need to do anything else.
  4. This is your current gas usage. You’ll need to compare it to past readings in order to determine how much gas you’ve used in a specific period. You can also compare this reading to the reading taken by the gas company, which will appear on your bill.
    • For example, 3785 and 0003785 would both be written as 3785.
  5. If your meter does have decimal points, you don’t need to include these in your reading. Similarly, you don’t need to pay attention to any other numbers, such as red control numbers. Just focus on the reading given on your screen. [8]
    • For example, 3785.28 would be 3785.
    6. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Calculating Your Usage

PDF download Download Article
  1. This is the only way to take useful readings. Your gas company will take 1 reading a month, usually around the same time. To estimate your usage, you need to do the same thing.
    • Look at your gas bill to see what day the gas company usually checks your meter, though it can vary month-to-month. Checking it on the same day will give you the most accurate reading.
    • For example, you might check your meter every month on the 1st.
  2. You can’t do much with a single reading, as it won’t let you calculate your usage. This is because the gas company doesn’t reset the meter each month. To calculate usage, you’d need to know your reading from last month. [9]
    • If you have a copy of your bill, you get your previous month’s reading from it. Also, you can compare your reading to the gas company’s reading.
  3. When in doubt, subtract the biggest number from the smallest number. Use a calculator or subtract it by hand. This will tell you how much gas you used this month!
    • Compare this number to your bill to verify the gas company is only charging you for the gas you used. Remember, it can vary slightly depending on when you took the measurement.
    4. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Is not your first example above 6238, and not as you say, 6248? When a pointer is on a number, you have to look at the next dial to see if it is a high or low number.
    Community Answer
    You're right. It looks like the dial has hit the 4, but because the dial to the right has not reached zero, it is still a 3.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 5
  • Question
    I moved to Utah in May, and now my gas has tripled! It's constantly being estimated. The meter is old and I can't read the numbers. I complained, but nothing has been done. What do I do?
    Community Answer
    Immediately demand that your meter be replaced. If the utility doesn't replace the meter within just a few days (maximum), then contact your congressional people and tell them of the violation of the public utility not servicing their customers. They should have your meter replaced for you in no time. However, you still might pay more in Utah than where you lived before. It's just a matter of Local and State approved rates. Where I live (not UT), oil is much cheaper than either gas (natural or propane), but other places are the reverse. Property taxes, electricity, internet, cable TV and phone can also be very much higher or lower. You may want to reconsider where in Utah you're living.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 2
  • Question
    Are meters ever replaced due to age? Meter readers are not reading the meter, and I've noticed the bill increasing by $50. What can I do about this?
    Community Answer
    Yes, meters are replaced and you should call the utility company to have it replaced so any over-charging can stop. They won't refund any over-payments you've made, though. Replacement is free and takes just 15 minutes, and you don't need to be present for the replacement.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 0
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Gas is measured in cubic feet. It might be given in thousands of cubic feet (MCF) or hundreds of cubic feet (CCF).
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Taking your own reading allows you to check that you’re paying the correct amount for gas.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • If your gas meter is inaccessible, your gas company may be estimating your usage. However, they may let you submit your own reading, instead. Keep in mind that they will flag your reading if it appears to be too high or low. Also, the technician will eventually come out to check your meter.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • If you get a different reading from your bill, call your gas company to make sure the reading is correct.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
      • Your readings may be off if the gas company technician can’t access your meter, as they will then estimate your reading based on the outdoor temperature, size of your home, and prior usage. Things like overgrown vegetation, dogs, and gates can prevent the meter reader from getting your reading.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Check Room Temperature with or without a Thermometer
      How to
      Contact British Gas
      How to
      Set a Thermostat
      How to
      Light a Furnace
      How to
      Make a DIY Air Conditioner with a Fan & Water Bottles
      How to
      Reset a Glitching Thermostat
      How to
      Unlock a Honeywell Thermostat
      How to
      Replace a Thermostat
      How to
      Fix a Honeywell Thermostat That's Not Working
      How to
      Reset a Honeywell Thermostat: T9, T10, Smart WiFi 9000 & More
      How to
      Use Honeywell Thermostat
      9 Signs Your Thermostat Needs to be Fixed or Replaced
      What to Do If Your Thermostat Isn’t Working
      How to
      Connect a Honeywell Thermostat to WiFi
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/how-read-residential-electric-and-natural-gas-meters
      2. ↑ https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/how-read-residential-electric-and-natural-gas-meters
      3. ↑ https://www.socalgas.com/pay-bill/understanding-your-bill/how-to-read-a-natural-gas-meter
      4. ↑ https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/how-read-residential-electric-and-natural-gas-meters
      5. ↑ https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/how-read-residential-electric-and-natural-gas-meters
      6. ↑ https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/how-read-residential-electric-and-natural-gas-meters
      7. ↑ http://www.edfenergy.com/products-services/for-your-home/my-account/how-to-read-your-gas-meter.shtml
      8. ↑ http://www.edfenergy.com/products-services/for-your-home/my-account/how-to-read-your-gas-meter.shtml
      9. ↑ https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/how-read-residential-electric-and-natural-gas-meters

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To read an analog gas meter, start by looking at the dial on the far left and recording the number that the needle is pointing to. If the needle is between two numbers, choose the smaller number, even if the needle is closer to the larger number. Then, record the numbers on the rest of the dials the same way, working from left to right. Finally, write the numerals down without spaces between them to get your final meter reading. To learn how to calculate your monthly gas usage based on your meter readings, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 100,007 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement