What do gross calorific value and gas conversion factor mean?
A gas meter usually measures volume in cubic metres. For billing, this is converted to energy using the gas conversion factor and gross calorific value. The calculation is: measured operating volume × gas conversion factor × gross calorific value = energy.
The gas conversion factor accounts for the difference between operating and standard conditions. Gross calorific value describes the gas’s energy content under the specified conditions. A cubic metre therefore does not always correspond to the same number of kilowatt-hours. Use the actual billing values from the relevant documents.
AT A GLANCE
VolumeDifference between meter readings
ConversionConversion factor × gross calorific value
EnergyResult in kWh
NeoBid’s own overview.
PROPERTY PRACTICE
What does this mean for your portfolio?
Annual volume in kWh or MWh is useful when tendering gas for heating. If only meter readings are available, the period and conversion parameters must be documented transparently. A generic factor may provide rough guidance but should not silently replace billing data. When a meter is replaced, check both devices and their respective readings.
An example.
Our own calculation example: 1,000 m³ × 0.95 × 11 kWh/m³ equals 10,450 kWh or 10.45 MWh. This energy volume can be multiplied by a unit rate in ct/kWh.
Illustrative values. Use the conversion factor and gross calorific value from the actual bill; this example is not a universal conversion factor.
WHAT MATTERS
Three questions for your portfolio.
01
Are the reading period and volume clear?
02
Which conversion factor and gross calorific value apply?
03
Are the units and billed energy volume correct?
Make the distinction clear ↗
Gross and net calorific values are not identical. Terms, units and reference conditions cannot be freely interchanged when checking bills.
Sources reviewed: 18 September 2026 · Editorial team: NeoBid
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