---
title: "Stick Readings"
canonical: "https://flagshiphelpcenter.myekos.com/space/EHC1/1969258549/Stick%20Readings"
format: markdown
---
[FUEL SITES help] 

# Stick Readings

Stick readings provide a way for organizations to keep track of their inventory without a need for a tank gauge. Once the user sticks the tank, they will record the numbers in EKOS by going to Fuel Sites and hovering over the Inventory application until they see Stick Reading as an option. Once in Stick readings, the user can manage the manual entries from a grid by:

- Fuel Site
- Inventory Time
- Tank
- User
- Water Inches
- Total Inches
- Gallons

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To create a new reading, click on the Add Stick Reading button in the upper right hand corner of this grid. From here you will be able to do the following:

- Select Site
- Select Tank
- Enter Inventory Time
- Enter Inches
- Enter Temperature
- Enter Inventory Reading

If the inches or temperature is unknown, you can leave this blank. When finished, click the “Create Inventory Reading” button and the entry will be loaded.

![image](media://e142e787-40c2-4f1b-971a-af221d8685fb)

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## Manual (Stick) Inventory Readings

For sites without an automated tank gauge (ATG), stick readings are the only way to monitor tank inventory levels. You may also enter stick readings for sites with automated tank gauges to validate the monitoring equipment or when there is an issue with the monitoring equipment reporting. The recorded stick readings are available in both the Stick App or the Inv Search App. Manual readings can be recorded for all sites in EKOS.

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### *Measuring the Fuel in a Tank: How to take a proper stick reading*

*Tip:* The traditional method of measuring the amount of fuel in a tank is with a long wooden stick known as a gauge stick. For accurate measurements, the gauge stick must be straight and marked in 1/8-inch increments with clearly legible numbers.

1. To take a reading, lower the stick gently to the bottom of the tank and raise it quickly
2. Locate the line where the stick is wet and record the number of inches to the nearest 1/8 inch
3. Use a tank chart to convert the depth measurement to gallons.
  1. Tank charts may be available from the tank manufacturer.
  2. Be sure you have the correct tank calibration with 1/8-inch increments that corresponds to your tank.
  3. Send us your tank chart to load into your Digital File Cabinet.
4. Click Create Inventory Reading and key the information into EKOS. If you do not have online access in the field and/or wish to keep a written record, then record the data on the Daily Inventory Worksheet and transfer the reading to EKOS later.

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### *How to measure the Water in a Tank*

1. The best way to measure water is to use water-finding paste that is applied to the bottom of a gauge stick. Almost all gasoline today contains ethanol, so be sure to use a water paste that is formulated for use with ethanol blend gasoline.
2. Follow the paste manufacturer’s directions for using the water paste, paying particular attention to the amount of time the stick needs to stay in the tank and what color change indicates the presence of water.

*Note: *Automatic tank gauges have water sensors but they should not be relied upon to detect water in tanks that contain gasoline blended with any amount of ethanol.