40:1 vs 50:1: Which Is The Better Option for Engine?
Everyone knows that your engine won’t run very well if you don’t use the right oil. Mixing the oil correctly helps to lessen engine friction, which extends the engine’s lifespan.
Therefore, you have to juggle among the various types of oil mixing ratio, 40:1 vs 50:1. Do you know what these two oil mixing ratios mean?
40:1 oil refers to 1 unit of oil, and 40 units consist of gas. Likewise, 50:1 oil has 50 units of gas and 1 unit of oil in every 50 units.
The 40:1 ratio is naturally denser than 50:1, and this higher density of oil helps engines to move their parts more smoothly, making the engine more lubricative. So, the efficiency will be higher in the four-stroke engine.
It’s just the beginning because there’s a lot more to know about. Please bear with us till the end of this article, and this reading will be worth your time.
Table of Contents
Comparison Table Between 40:1 vs 50:1 oil

To keep the engine well, you need to understand the proper mixing ratio of oil and what this mixing consists of, and then you’ll be able to choose the best oil mixer for your engine. There’s a table below to help you instead.
Factors | 40:1 | 50:1 |
Engine Suitability | 4 stroke | 2 stroke |
Oil density | Higher | Lower |
Lubrication | Higher | Lower |
Viscosity | Higher | Lower |
Engine efficiency | Higher | Lower |
Lubrication speed | Lower | Higher |
Engine design | Lighter | Heavier |
Fuel consumption | Fully consumed | Not fully consumed |
See Also: 50:1 VS 25:1.
Differences Between 40-1 to 50-1 Oil Mixer In Retail

From the above table, it’s pretty easy to get things clear up, but if you need to learn more, you need to go through the rest of the article, and then you are wise to choose the correct ratio. So, have patience and keep reading.
- Oil Density
Aforementioned we knew slightly about what is meant by the 40:1 and 50:1 oil mix. Keeping that in mind, a 40:1 oil mix is thicker than a 50:1 oil mix, as density affects lubricant and machine performance. Most systems are intended to pump a given fluid density; thus, when the density changes, the pump’s efficiency fluctuates based on the oil density.
40:1 oil mix indicates that you have to add 25 ml of oil to every gasoline liter. To make new, standard unleaded gasoline (with no more than 10% ethanol), follow this proportion. Contrastingly, the 50:1 oil mix needs 20 ml of oil for 1 liter. This is why the 40:1 oil mix is denser than 50:1 oil.
- Lubrication
Better lubrication depends on the types of engines and the proper oil mixer. From the table, we already knew that the 50:1 oil is needed for two-stroke engines, and for a four-stroke engine, a 40:1 oil mix is needed.
In the case of a two-stroke engine, there is no dedicated lubricant source, and wear is significantly damaged to this engine. It creates more torque at higher revolutions per minute (RPM) which creates more pressure on the piston.
This engine needs faster lubrication, and 50:1 oil is perfect for them. 40:1 oil is quite the opposite as a four-stroke engine creates higher torque at a lower RPM, and the pressure on the piston is decreased.
So, 50:1 oil is better in a two-stroke engine, and 40:1 oil works well in a four-stroke engine.
- Viscosity
Many moving elements in an engine cause friction by bumping against one another. That’s why engine performance degrades, parts wear out, creating a barrier between engine moving parts and friction. It reduces friction between engine parts by forming a coating over them. Motor oil is challenging to pour at lower temperatures due to its high viscosity at room temperature.
When the machine needs to work harder due to the lubricant’s high viscosity, it generates more heat and uses more power. Simultaneously, oils with a low viscosity offer enough protection against friction. The working conditions of the machine are typically used to determine the optimal thickness of the lubricant.
So, the viscosity of 40:1 oil needs more lubrication, and it’s suitable for a four-stroke engine. Conversely, 50:1 oil is ideal for a two-stroke engine as it has less viscosity.
See Also: 303 Hydraulic Oil Vs AW 32.
How To Mix 40:1 or 50:1 Oil Ratio?

Isn’t it better to know the process of mixing the oil ratio? Sure, and for this, we include a short table to let you know the exact oil mixing ratio.
40:1 and 50:1 Ratio Formula (Imperial Method)
By keeping in mind two imperial values, you can calculate the oil mixing ratio.
- For a 40:1 ratio, you’ll need 1 liter of gasoline for 25 ml of oil.
- For a 50:1 ratio, you’ll need 1 liter of gasoline for 20 ml of oil.
Here we showed a tiny chart in imperial units that helps you to understand the formula.
Gasoline | 40:1 Ratio | 50:1 Ratio |
1 liter | 25 ml | 20 ml |
2 liter | 50 ml | 40 ml |
3 liter | 75 ml | 60 ml |
4 liter | 100 ml | 80 ml |
After getting the chart, hopefully, it’s now most straightforward to mix the oil as per your need. However, you can use this premixcalculator.com to get the ratio.
If you don’t want to face these hassles of mixing, or are a little bit lazy, purchasing blended oil will be the savior for you. Let’s have a look at the two best 40:1 and 50:1 ready to use oil.
TruFuel 2-Cycle 40:1 Pre-Blended Fuel
You can choose this TruFuel 40:1 premixing oil for your small outdoor power tools and equipment, as it is specially formulated by keeping in mind those engines. It contains 92+ octane, pure synthetic oil, and free from ethanol.
- Eradicate the hassle of mixing oil
- Easy to fill your engine’s gas tank without a funnel
- Flawless lubrication and protect your engine
- Need minimal engine maintenance
VP Racing Fuel for Small Engine
This VP Small Engine Fuels oil is engineered with 94 octane for your higher grade engines that requires lower viscosity grade oil. However, this oil is completely ethanol-free, as ethanol damages your fuel pump. The oil’s right sheerness and thickness will provide maximum protection against heat.
- Ensure your engine’s smooth running
- Offer better throttle response under high pressure
- Increase the engine performance and durability
- Come with easy to pour can to avoid making a gigantic mess
Which oil mixer is eco-friendly?
Till now, we learned a lot of things about oil mixing factors for the 40:1 and 50:1 oil ratios. But currently, pollution is increasing daily, and the world faces many illnesses due to pollution. So the oil which isn’t mixing in the proper ratio can cause air pollution. And this pollution harms people as they breathe polluted air and causes respiratory illness.
A two-stroke engine burns more oil and creates smoke containing carbon monoxide and other harmful particles. But a four-stroke engine doesn’t do that. So, the proper amount of oil mixing is essential.
See Also: Bora VS Kreg Saw Guide.
FAQs
Does a four-stroke engine need pre-mixing oil and fuel?
No, a four-stroke engine doesn’t need pre-mixing oil and fuel. Because it has four compartments for oil, and if you mix a large amount of mixed oil, it may gum up your engine plug and damage it. So, no need to add pre-mixing oil and fuel to it.
40:1 vs. 50:1 Which oil mixer costs high?
50:1 oil mix costs higher than 40:1 oil. It may cost you 3X- 4X higher than 40:1 oil.
Can I use 50:1 oil in a 40:1 oil engine?
No, you can’t use 50:1 oil in a 40:1 oil engine, because it may damage the engine and produce more smoke.
Can I use 40:1 instead of 25:1?
No, it’s not a good idea to use 40:1 instead of 25:1, as 40:1 is thicker than 25:1.
Parting Words
This is all about 40:1 vs. 50:1 oil mixer. Hopefully, you now know how to choose your required oil mixer and keep your engine safe.
It is wise to see your engine’s manual and mix oil likewise. Thus it will save the engine as well as decrease pollution.
Go, mix up the gasoline and enjoy your journey. Please, do not forget to share your enjoyable experience with us. Keep reading and have an incredible journey with your transports.
Please let us know in the comment section below if you have any other queries.
Godspeed!