Is 87 a regular gas?
Yes. In the United States and Canada, 87 octane is the standard regular unleaded gasoline grade.
Gasoline octane labels indicate the fuel’s resistance to knocking in engines. The 87 rating refers to AKI (anti-knock index), used in North America, and is the baseline for most cars built to run on regular fuel. Most pumps offer 87 as "Regular," with higher grades marketed as mid-grade (89) or premium (91–93). Fuels may also contain ethanol blends, commonly E10, with occasional availability of E15 or other blends in select markets. This article explains what 87 means, where it’s standard, and how to decide which grade to use for your vehicle.
What does 87 mean and where is it standard?
Octane numbers measure a fuel's resistance to pre-ignition (knock). In North America, the rating you see at the pump is AKI, which is roughly a combined measure from two tests (Research Octane Number and Motor Octane Number). 87 AKI is considered regular, and vehicles designed for regular fuel are calibrated for that grade. The relationship between octane and energy content is not direct: higher octane fuels do not inherently produce more energy; they simply withstand higher compression before detonating. Ethanol blends can reduce energy per gallon, which may affect mileage slightly.
Key facts about 87 octane and regular gas
These bullet points summarize essential details about 87-octane gasoline and what qualifies as regular in U.S. and Canadian markets.
- 87 is the standard regular unleaded gasoline grade in the United States and Canada.
- The 87 number is an AKI rating, not RON; it reflects knock resistance under US testing conditions and correlates to roughly 91 RON in many regions.
- Most regular fuels sold in these markets contain up to 10% ethanol (E10), though blends like E15 or other ethanol blends are available in some locations.
- Energy content per gallon can be slightly lower in ethanol blends, which can affect fuel economy versus non-ethanol gasoline of the same octane rating.
In short, regular 87 is the baseline fuel grade for many cars in the U.S. and Canada, and you should always follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations, especially for performance or luxury engines designed for higher octane.
How to choose the right octane for your vehicle
Guidance on choosing octane; what to consider beyond the label:
- Check the owner’s manual or fuel-filler door for the recommended octane rating, and respect the minimum requirement if it specifies one.
- If you hear knocking or pinging when using 87, you may need a higher octane fuel; however, some vehicles have adaptive knock control, and issues may stem from timing or sensors rather than octane alone.
- Premium (91–93 octane) is only necessary for many high-performance engines or certain turbocharged engines; using higher octane than recommended rarely increases power in standard engines.
- In locations where ethanol blends are common, note that performance and mileage can vary with the blend; some vehicles with flex-fuel capabilities adjust automatically.
Bottom line: Use the grade prescribed by your car’s maker; for most everyday drivers, 87 regular is appropriate, with higher grades available for engines designed to take advantage of them.
Global perspective: how regular gas differs around the world
Fuel labeling and octane measurement vary by region, so the term "regular" does not always map directly to 87 octane everywhere. Here’s a quick overview:
- United States and Canada typically use AKI; regular is commonly labeled 87.
- Europe generally uses RON; regular unleaded is often around 95–98 RON, depending on country and grade.
- Other regions may use different octane scales or blended labels; always read local signage and consult the vehicle’s manual.
For drivers traveling internationally or moving between markets, it’s important to adapt to local octane scales and fuel availability, and to be mindful of ethanol blends that may affect performance and mileage.
Summary
In the United States and Canada, 87 octane is the standard regular unleaded gasoline grade. It is a North American AKI rating representing knock resistance, not a measure of energy content. Most cars designed for regular fuel operate efficiently on 87, but always follow the manufacturer’s recommendation, especially for performance or luxury engines designed for higher octane. Be aware of ethanol blends and regional labeling differences when refueling in other countries.
Summary: Regular 87 is standard in North America; check your manual; consider higher octane only if your engine requires it or you notice knocking; fuel types and ethanol blends vary by region.
