Understanding Propane Tank Sizes: A Complete Guide (2024)

Propane tanks come in all different sizes and vary in use from powering your grill, to heating your home, and always operating with the highest efficiency. Whatever your needs are, AmeriGas has the tank to power it.

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Understanding Propane Tank Sizes: A Complete Guide (1)

What size propane tank do you need?

Tank sizes range from portable 20-lb. containers to tanks that can hold over 2,000 gallons. The size of your propane tank will depend on the size of your home as well as the number and size of appliances using propane.

Your geographical location and local climate can also play a role in choosing your propane tank size. For example, a tank for heating in milder climates may not need to be as big as a tank for heating in a colder climate. This guide can help you determine the right size tank for your needs and location.

Review the propane tank size guide below for more information on propane tank sizes. It is important to note that a propane tank is only able to be filled to 80%. The tanks details will highlight how many gallons you get when full.

Propane Tank Sizes for your Home

This guide provides sizes and usage for the most common propane tanks for homeuse. Common commercial tank size information can be found here.

Please note that there may be slight variances in dimensions by manufacturer.

Understanding Propane Tank Sizes: A Complete Guide (2)

1000 Gallon Propane Tank

Dimensions: 16' 2" long and 41" in diameter

Uses: Home heating for larger square footage homes or homes with all appliances running on propane.

A 1000 gallon propane tank holds 800 gallons when full.

Understanding Propane Tank Sizes: A Complete Guide (3)

500 Gallon Propane Tank

Dimensions: 9' 11" long and 37.5" in diameter

Uses: Primarily used for home heating or homes with 2-3 propane appliances such as supplemental or space heaters, hot water heaters, and generators.

A 500 gallon propane tank holds 400 gallons of propane when full.

Understanding Propane Tank Sizes: A Complete Guide (4)

250 Gallon Propane Tank

Dimensions: 7'10" long and 30" in diameter

Uses: Supplemental heating or 2 home appliances including water heaters, generators, and pool heaters.

A 250 gallon propane tank holds 200 gallons of propane when full.

Understanding Propane Tank Sizes: A Complete Guide (5)

120 Gallon Propane Tank

Dimensions: 4'6" in height and 30" in diameter

Uses: 1-2 residential appliances. Commonly used for a hot water heater or space heater alone, or with another small appliance like a dryer or cooktop.

A 120 gallon propane tank is also commonly referred to as 420 lb propane tank. 120 gallon propane tanks hold 96 gallons of propane when full.

Understanding Propane Tank Sizes: A Complete Guide (6)

20 lb Propane Tank

Dimensions: 1' 6" in height and 1' in diameter.

Uses: Propane grills, generators, patio heaters, and other outdoor equipment. To purchase or exchange a 20 lb. tank, find a propane tank locationnear you.

20 pound propane tanks are often referred to as grill cylinders and hold 4.6 gallons of propane when full.

Propane tanks can be placed either above ground or underground

Understanding Propane Tank Sizes: A Complete Guide (7)

Above Ground Propane Tanks

Aboveground come in several common sizes ranging from 100 gallons to 1,500 gallons. Above ground tanks cost less and are quicker to install than below ground propane tanks. They also allow for easier access for maintenance. Unlike underground tanks, above ground tanks are visible but can be hidden with landscaping or fencing, just make sure to check your local codes and safety requirements.

Understanding Propane Tank Sizes: A Complete Guide (8)

Underground Propane Tanks

Underground propane tanks come in multiple sizes ranging from 250 gallons to 1,500 gallons. Underground propane tanks handle colder and extreme temperatures better than above ground tanks. Underground tanks may also increase the perceived value of your home when compared to an above- ground tank since only the tank dome is exposed for filling and maintenance. Below ground tank installation requires excavation and may also require a permit in certain jurisdictions. Below ground tanks are more costly and take longer to install than above ground tanks.

Understanding Propane Tank Sizes: A Complete Guide (9)

Buying & Installing Your Propane Tank

AmeriGas Professionals will help you through the process of selecting a tank for your home.

Residential customers can Get a Quote online.

AmeriGas representatives are always available at 1-800-AMERIGAS. Just a few quick questions and our representative will be able to provide you with:

  • A recommended tank size
  • A price quote
  • Details on the installation process
  • Assistance with any local permits and paperwork (if necessary)
  • An installation date that works best for you

Your initial service may include a survey of your property to provide the best recommendations for tank size and location. Your installation will include a walk-through of your new AmeriGas propane tank system and safety procedures.

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Understanding Propane Tank Sizes: A Complete Guide (2024)

FAQs

Understanding Propane Tank Sizes: A Complete Guide? ›

Regardless, a good rule of thumb is to calculate the size of the tank based on the square footage of the home. A home that is 2,500 square feet in size will usually require a 500-gallon tank, while a home that is 5,000 square feet in size will require a 1,000-gallon tank.

How to determine what size propane tank you need? ›

Regardless, a good rule of thumb is to calculate the size of the tank based on the square footage of the home. A home that is 2,500 square feet in size will usually require a 500-gallon tank, while a home that is 5,000 square feet in size will require a 1,000-gallon tank.

What size propane tank for a 2500 sq ft house? ›

500-gallon Tank: If you have a bigger home – from 2,500 to 4,500 square feet – then this is the right tank for you. They are perfect to power whole home systems, generations, and even home heating. There are two versions: above the ground or underground.

What size propane tank for a 1000 sq ft house? ›

325 Gallon Tank

This size would be right for 1,000 to 1,200 square feet. You'll still need to have only two to three propane appliances. This higher capacity is great for small homes, and you'll have fewer fill-ups than with a smaller tank.

What size is a 100 gallon propane tank? ›

Size and Capacity: This tank is approximately 4 feet tall by 3 feet diameter and will hold 100 gallons when filled to 80 percent capacity. Notes: These tanks are commonly referred to by a few different names.

What size propane tank for a 2000 square foot house? ›

A 350-gallon propane tank can power the heating system for a home smaller than 2,500 square feet. It's the most common size for this use. Alternatively, you can use it for multiple large gas appliances.

Should I get a 500 or 1000 gallon propane tank? ›

A 500-gallon tank is best for homes that are under 3,500 square feet and use several propane appliances like a hot-water heater, a stove, a dryer, and a refrigerator. If your home is larger than 3,500 square feet, you may want to upgrade to the 1,000-gallon tank.

What size propane tank do I need for a 3,000 sq ft house? ›

Medium sized homes (approximately 2500-3500 sq ft.) are usually best fitted with the 500 gallon tanks and large houses (3500+ sq ft +) are best with 1000 gallon tanks. In other words, if propane is your main energy source throughout your home, a 420 lb.

What size propane tank for 1500 sq ft house? ›

500 Gallon Tank

A 500 gallon propane tank is an efficient option for larger homes (1,500 square feet or more) that use propane for several appliances. Examples include: gas furnaces, gas fireplaces, gas ranges, gas hot water heaters, and gas clothes dryers. 500 gallon tanks are 9'11 long and 37½” in diameter.

What is the most common residential propane tank size? ›

The standard propane tank size for residential use varies on the size of the home. Smaller homes typically use 500-gallon tanks, while homes larger than 4500 square feet often need 1000-gallon tanks to provide enough fuel for heating and appliances.

How far from the house does a 100lb propane tank need to be? ›

If you have a 100-pound tank, you can have it filled off-site or on-site. If you do not have your 100-pound tank filled on-site, it needs to be 3 feet from all building openings and 5 feet away from any ignition source, direct vent intakes and mechanical air intakes.

Why would a house have a 500 gallon propane tank? ›

500 gallon propane tanks are primarily used for home heating or homes with 2-3 propane appliances. 500 gallon propane tanks are primarily used for home heating or homes with 2-3 propane appliances such as supplemental or space heaters, water heaters, and generators.

Can a 100 gallon propane tank be next to house? ›

100-gallon propane tanks

When placing a 100-gallon propane tank on your property, keep these measurements in mind: The minimum distance from the opening of a building is 5 feet. The minimum distance from any source of ignition is 10 feet.

How far away should a propane tank be from the house? ›

Same with underground propane tanks that hold up to 2,000 gallons: The minimum distance, from either a building or a property line, is 10 feet. For above-ground tanks of 1,000 to 2,000 gallons, the safe distance increases. These must be placed at least 25 feet from a building or property line.

What does a 120 gallon propane tank look like? ›

120 or 124 Gallon horizontal tanks are approximately 5'8'' long and 24” in diameter. 420 pound or 120 & 124 Gallon vertical tanks are approximately 4'6'' tall and 30” in diameter. They hold 100 gallons of Propane at 80%.

How many gallons of propane will a 100lb tank hold? ›

100 lb Propane Tank

Uses: Commonly used for commercial use and by contractors for a single appliance such as a cooktop or for temporary heating at job sites. A 100 pound propane tanks holds approximately 23 gallons of propane when full.

What size propane tank do I need for a gas range? ›

100-pound propane tank: This small tank is for when you only use propane in one appliance like a range, or fireplace. 120-gallon propane tank: If you use propane in one or two appliances, such as a range, fireplace or clothes dryer, this might be better suited to be your tank of choice.

Is a 500 gallon propane tank big enough? ›

For the average single-family house, a 500 gallon propane tank should get the job done. If your home is larger than 3,500 square feet, you might want to look into a 1000 gallon tank, depending on you're uses and how much heat you need.

Are all 500 gallon propane tanks the same size? ›

500 Gallon tanks are approximately 10' long and 38” in diameter.

How long does a 500 gallon propane tank last for a stove? ›

A 500-gallon tank holds 400 gallons of propane and can last several months, ranging between 2 to 14 months. On average, homeowners can expect that the tank will last around 5 months with regular use of appliances.

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