How to Read a Gas Meter

Reading your gas meter correctly ensures that your energy bills are accurate and that you’re only paying for the gas you’ve actually used. Whether you’ve been asked to submit a reading by your supplier, are moving house, or just want to keep an eye on your usage, it’s important to know what type of meter you have and how to record the numbers properly.

Gas meters come in different formats, but the goal is the same: to read the correct digits and submit them on time, avoiding estimates that could lead to overcharging or underpayment.

Identifying Your Gas Meter Type

Before taking a reading, you need to identify the type of gas meter you have. Most homes in the UK will have one of the following: a digital metric meter, a digital imperial meter, a dial meter, or a smart meter.

A digital metric meter shows five or six numbers followed by a decimal point and then a few more numbers. A digital imperial meter looks similar but typically shows four main numbers, sometimes with a label such as “cubic feet.” A dial meter has a series of small clock-style dials. Smart meters usually show readings on a screen and may have buttons you need to press to bring up the gas reading.

How to Read a Digital Gas Meter

To read a digital gas meter, simply record the numbers shown from left to right, ignoring any numbers after the decimal point or in red. These digits represent the volume of gas used. For example, if your meter shows 00635.92, you should report 00635.

Make sure to check whether your meter is labelled as metric or imperial, as this affects how your supplier calculates the units. Metric meters measure in cubic metres, while imperial meters measure in cubic feet.

How to Read a Dial Gas Meter

Dial meters can be slightly trickier, but with a little patience, you can get an accurate reading. Each dial alternates direction and represents a different digit in the reading. Start from the left and write down the number that each hand is pointing to. If a hand is between two numbers, write down the lower one.

It’s important not to include any dials marked as "1000" or similar, as these measure tiny amounts of gas and are not used in standard readings. If you're unsure which dials to read, your supplier's website may provide guidance, or you can contact them for help.

How to Read a Smart Gas Meter

If you have a smart meter, your gas usage is usually sent automatically to your supplier. However, you might still want to take a manual reading, especially if you’re moving out or switching supplier.

To view the reading, press the appropriate button on the meter — usually labelled as “A” or “OK” — until the screen shows your gas usage. Look for a label such as “Meter Reading” or “Volume” and write down the digits before the decimal point.

If you have an in-home display, you can also view your gas usage there. However, readings taken directly from the meter are more accurate for official submissions.

Submitting Your Reading

Once you’ve taken your gas meter reading, the next step is to submit it to your energy supplier. Most companies offer multiple ways to do this — online portals, mobile apps, automated phone lines, or customer service teams.

Submitting regular readings helps avoid estimated bills and ensures your charges reflect actual usage. It’s especially useful if you’re not on a smart meter, or if your smart meter has temporarily lost connection.

Keeping track of your readings monthly is also a good habit for monitoring how much gas you’re using and spotting any sudden spikes that might indicate a problem.

Common Mistakes When Reading a Gas Meter

One of the most common mistakes people make when reading a gas meter is including the wrong digits. This often happens with digital meters that display extra numbers after a decimal point, or with dials that are between two digits. The key is to only include the numbers that count towards billing — those to the left of the decimal or on the main set of dials. Numbers in red or after the decimal point are not needed unless your supplier specifically asks for them.

Another frequent issue is misreading a dial meter, especially when the pointer is directly between two digits. In this case, always take the lower number unless the pointer is exactly on a figure, in which case you use that number. Mistaking the dial direction — as they often alternate clockwise and counter-clockwise — is another detail that can lead to incorrect readings.

Why Your Supplier Still Asks for Readings if You Have a Smart Meter

Even if you’ve had a smart meter installed, your supplier might occasionally ask you to provide a manual reading. This is usually due to a temporary connection issue between your meter and the supplier’s system. If the signal is lost or if there’s an error in data transmission, they may request a manual check to ensure billing remains accurate.

Additionally, when switching suppliers or finalising your account during a home move, a manual reading is often required to confirm your closing usage. It's good practice to know how to take a reading manually, even with smart technology in place.

Checking the Meter Location

Some households have easy access to their gas meter, but in others, the location may not be obvious. Gas meters are often placed outside in a box near the front or side of the property, but they can also be found inside, in cupboards under stairs, in basements, or in communal areas of flats.

If you’re unsure where your meter is, try to locate the gas pipe that enters your property and follow it to the meter. If you live in a flat or shared building, each unit should have a labelled meter, but it’s worth checking the meter serial number against a previous bill to be certain you're reading the correct one.

Taking a Photo for Accuracy

To avoid mistakes or disputes, many suppliers now encourage you to take a photo of your meter reading and submit it alongside your reading. This can serve as a visual record if there’s ever a question about the accuracy of your submission. A clear photo showing the full meter, the serial number, and the reading is usually enough to confirm that the data was correct at the time it was taken.

Taking regular photos also helps you monitor your usage over time. If you're concerned about a sudden increase in your bill, you can compare past photos to see how your usage has changed and whether there’s an underlying issue such as a faulty appliance or a suspected leak.

How Often Should You Read Your Gas Meter?

If you don’t have a smart meter, it’s a good idea to read your gas meter once a month. This helps ensure your bills are based on actual usage and avoids large adjustments later on. For those on fixed monthly payments, it’s particularly important to monitor consumption, as under- or overpaying for several months can result in a surprise bill at the end of the contract.

Even if you do have a smart meter, it can be helpful to check your readings occasionally to ensure the technology is working correctly. If you ever notice discrepancies between your meter and your bill, reporting them early can help resolve issues before they build up into larger problems.

Final Word

Reading your gas meter might seem technical at first, but it’s a simple task once you know what to look for. Whether your meter is digital, dial-based, or smart, taking an accurate reading and sending it to your supplier ensures your bills are fair and under control. If you’re ever unsure, your supplier can help guide you through the process — but with a few minutes and a careful eye, you’ll be able to do it confidently yourself.