Home » Understanding Propane Tank Dimensions
- June 6, 2016
- 5:50 pm
Whether it’s for a backyard barbeque or your whole home energy needs, getting the right size propane tank is a must. But propane tank dimensions aren’t always easy to understand. How big will this tank be, will it fit where you need it to fit, and exactly how much propane do you get? Below is our complete guide.
Weight vs. Gallons of Propane
Perhaps the most confusing part of understanding propane tank dimensions is knowing exactly how much propane you’re getting. Propane tanks are typically referred to by their weight—how many pounds they weigh when full. But most of us don’t have a clear sense of how much propane weighs, especially with the weight of the tank itself added in. To get a better visual of how much propane is inside, it’s often better to know how many gallons of propane a tank can hold.
Below, we will list all tanks by their weight but also give how many gallons they hold. Note: the two largest tank sizes are always listed by gallons, never weight.
Bear in mind that the best way to know how much propane you’ve used, or how much is left, is just through experience. Many propane tanks come with gauges that show you exactly how much you have, similar to the gas gauge on a car. But some propane tanks, particularly the smaller ones, do not. With these smaller tanks it’s generally best to have two on hand: one that you’re using, and one that you can switch to when the first one runs out. Then replace the first one and you’ll always have a backup.
Common Propane Tank Sizes
Here are the most common propane tanks:
20 lb tank:
- 18” tall and 12” in diameter
- Holds 5 gallons of propane
- Very portable, easy to pick up
- Usually exchanged at a refill station for a fresh tank
33 lb tank:
- 2 feet tall and 1 foot in diameter
- Holds 8 gallons of propane
- Very portable, can be picked up by one person
- Usually exchanged at a refill station for a fresh tank
100 lb tank:
- 4 feet tall and 18” diameter
- Holds nearly 25 gallons when full
- Portable, may want a buddy to help
- At-home exchange service is available
2x 100-lb tank setup:
- Two 100 lb tanks are connected with a switchover valve
- When one tank runs out, the valve automatically switches to the full one
- A red/green indicator tells you when to replace the first tank.
420 lb tank:
- 4 feet tall by 3 feet diameter
- Holds 100 gallons of propane
- Not portable. Refilled on-site.
500 gallon tank:
- 5 feet tall by 10 feet long
- Holds 400 gallons at 80% capacity (standard fill)
- Above ground or below ground. Refilled on-site.
1,000 gallon tank:
- 5 feet tall by 16 feet long
- Holds 800 gallons at 80% capacity (standard fill)
- Above ground or below ground. Refilled on-site.
What size propane tank is the best fit for you? Are you not sure? Contact one of our experts today for the help you need: 1-888-449-3585.
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