Work out how many shots you’ll get from a can of green gas or a box of CO2 capsules, how many cans you need for a game day and what each shot costs. Choose your gun type, adjust the typical figures if you know your magazine, and see how much the cold eats into your gas.
Typical gas use by gun type
| Gun | Gas per fill | Shots per fill | Shots per 560g can | Shots per CO2 capsule |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GBB pistol | 7g | 20 | 1,600 | 50 |
| GBB rifle | 18g | 30 | 930 | 40 |
| NBB pistol | 6g | 30 | 2,800 | 70 |
| Gas shotgun (shells) | 10g | 25 | 1,400 | 30 |
| Gas sniper | 8g | 30 | 2,100 | 40 |
Green gas vs CO2 vs propane
| Green gas | CO2 | Propane + adapter | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | Medium | Higher | Like green gas |
| Cold weather | Poor below 15°C | Good | Poor below 15°C |
| Wear on parts | Gentle | Harsher | Gentle if oiled |
| Running cost | Medium | Medium | Low |
| Notes | Contains silicone oil | Needs a CO2 gun or magazine | Add silicone oil; check site rules |
Only use the gas your gun and magazines are designed for. Putting CO2 or high-pressure gas into a green gas magazine can damage it, and may push the gun over your site’s power limit. Check with our fps to joules calculator.
Getting more shots from every fill
- Keep magazines warm in an inside pocket, especially in autumn and winter.
- Fill properly: hold the can upside down and the magazine upright, and fill in short bursts until it spits back.
- Don’t rapid-fire in the cold: each shot cools the magazine further.
- Look after seals: a drop of silicone oil on the fill valve now and then stops slow leaks.
- Carry a spare magazine rather than refilling one cold magazine over and over.
Storing and transporting gas
Gas is 18+. Green gas, CO2 and pyro can only be sold to adults in the UK. Store cans upright in a cool, ventilated place away from heat, flames and direct sun, never leave them in a hot car, and carry them separately from pyro.
Packing for a game? Add gas and spare magazines with our Airsoft Game Day Checklist, and see how many BBs to bring with the Airsoft BB Calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How many shots do you get from a can of green gas?
As a rough guide, a typical large can (around 560g net) gives about 1,600 shots in a GBB pistol and around 900 in a GBB rifle on a warm day. It varies a lot with the gun, the magazine and the temperature, so use the calculator with your own figures.
Is CO2 or green gas better for airsoft?
Green gas is gentler on parts and its magazines are cheaper, but it struggles below about 15°C. CO2 is more powerful and copes with the cold much better, but it’s harder on seals and slides, and CO2 guns may chrono higher. Use whichever your gun is designed for.
Why does my gas gun lose power in the cold?
Gas pressure drops as temperature falls, and the magazine cools further every time it fires. Below about 15°C green gas guns shoot weaker, cycle sluggishly and get fewer shots per fill. Keep magazines warm in an inside pocket and swap them often.
Can I use a propane adapter instead of green gas?
Many players use a propane adapter, as green gas is propane with added silicone oil. If you do, add silicone oil to keep seals lubricated, check your site allows it, and follow the adapter maker’s safety guidance. Never use it in a gun that isn’t designed for green gas pressures.
Do I need to be 18 to buy airsoft gas?
Yes. Green gas, CO2 and pyrotechnics are 18+ items in the UK. Store cans upright, somewhere cool and away from heat or flames, and never leave them in a hot car.
Stock up on gas and BBs
Green gas, CO2 and quality BBs for your next game day. 18+ only.
More airsoft tools
Airsoft BB Calculator
How many BBs are in a bag, how many mags it fills, how many game days it lasts and the cost per shot.
Open the calculator →Airsoft Game Day Checklist
A packing list built for your game: woodland, CQB or milsim, hire or own kit, whatever the weather.
Make your checklist →Airsoft Loadout Cost Calculator
Price up a beginner, mid-range or high-end loadout item by item, and see when owning beats hiring.
Build your loadout →Estimates for guidance. Gas use varies with your gun, magazine and conditions. Always follow your gun maker’s advice and your site’s rules.