In the UK, the most common gas meters are digital metric, digital imperial or dial meters. Here is a guide on how to read these types of meters.
Gas meters have a display of 4- or 5-digit numbers which tell you how many units of gas you’ve used in your home.
To work out how many units you’ve used, you can subtract the previous reading from the current one. Your gas provider will convert the units into kilowatt hours and this is what you’ll see on your bill.
Digital metric
These meters measure gas in cubic meters (m3)
Take a note of all numbers before the decimal point from left to right
Ignore the numbers after the decimal point
Digital imperial
You might have one of these if your meter is older. This type of meter measures gas in cubic feet (ft3).
Take a note of the 4 numbers from left to right
Ignore numbers that appear in red
Dial meter
If you have this type of meter, you’ll notice clock-type dials with numbers 0 to 9.
Take a note of numbers on the left dial and take a note of the number that has the arrow pointing towards it. When the pointer appears to be in the middle of two different numbers, record the smaller number. If the pointer is between 9 and 0, record as 9.
Ignore any numbers or dials that are red
Should you need to replace a damaged Gas Meter Box, visit https://www.meterbox.co.uk/gas-meter-boxes for more information.
Your gas supply number
If you decide to switch gas suppliers or moved into a new build, you might need to find your meter point reference number (MPRN) or otherwise called an ‘M’ number. This is a unique number that identifies your property’s meter box.
If you can’t see it on your meter, you can find it on your fuel bill. If you have just moved into the property and haven’t received a bill yet, you can contact the National Grid’s meter helpline.
Working out your usage
It is normal for people to use more energy in the colder, darker winter months on lighting and heating. If you want to calculate your usage, your bill will display kWh, but your meter will show cubic feet or meters. You can work out your usage by doing the following:
Subtract the current reading from the previous one. If your measuring in cubic feet, multiply the figure by 2.83 to convert to meters. Next, multiply by 1.02264. Find the calorific value on your bill and multiply the figure you have with the value on the bill. Divide this figure by 3.6 and you’ll have the kWh figure.
Multiply your kWh figure by the pence per kWh rate found on your bill. This will tell you how much your gas use will cost.
