Have too many partially used isobutane canisters (MSR, Jetboil, Snow Peak, GSI, Coleman, Primus)? Want to carry the fewest, lightest cans and make the fewest transfers?
Weigh each can on a kitchen scale, enter the gross weights below, and the optimal transfer plan is calculated instantly in your browser.
Supported sizes: 110g, 227g, and 450g threaded isobutane canisters. Gross weight = empty can weight + remaining fuel.
Tip: Values lighter than an empty can or heavier than its capacity are flagged so you can correct typos quickly.
Weigh a can and subtract the empty weight to see how many grams of fuel remain. These are the MSR figures used by the solver; other brands are typically within a few grams.
| Canister | Fuel capacity | Empty weight | Full gross weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 110 g (small) | 110 g | 101 g | 211 g |
| 227 g (medium) | 227 g | 147 g | 374 g |
| 450 g (large) | 450 g | 216 g | 666 g |
Weigh the canister on a kitchen scale and subtract the empty can weight: about 101 g for a 110 g can, 147 g for a 227 g can, and 216 g for a 450 g can. The remainder is fuel in grams.
Yes. A threaded canister-to-canister transfer adapter connects two Lindal-valve cans. Chill the receiving can and warm the donor can so pressure moves fuel downhill, then verify the result on a scale. Do it outdoors, away from flames, and never fill a can above its rated capacity.
Yes. Most 110 g, 230 g, and 450 g isobutane canisters share the same threaded Lindal valve and very similar empty weights, so the MSR figures are a close match. If your brand's empty weight differs by a few grams, the plan is still correct; only the reported remaining fuel shifts slightly.
It finds the set of cans with the lowest total empty weight that can hold all of your fuel, then the fewest transfers and fewest grams moved to fill them. Everything runs in your browser; no data is uploaded. Read how the solver works for the details.