You have probably heard propane referred to in pounds: 20 lb tank, 33 lb tank, 100lb and so on. That refers to the weight of the tank when it’s full of propane. But understanding how much propane that is can be confusing. This also makes it difficult to know how big a tank you will need. After all, we typically measure liquids in gallons, not by weight.
To help you better understand what size tank you need, here is a breakdown of common propane tank weights/sizes, how many gallons are in each, and common uses of each.
Common Propane Tank Sizes and Their Uses
Important: propane tanks are often only filled to 80% capacity to allow the propane to safely expand. Even when it is full, a propane gauge will only read 80%.
20 lb, 30 lb, 40 lb Tanks
- Typically used for grilling and patio heaters
- Holds 5 gallons of propane
- Very portable, easy to pick up
- Refill by stopping by our office conveniently located in Old West Durham 2907 Hillsborough rd & 4630 Hillsborough rd
33 lb Tank
- Used to power forklifts
- 2’ tall, 1’ in diameter
- Holds 8 gallons of propane
- Can be picked up and moved by one person
- Refills are available at our office conveniently located in Old West Durham 2907 Hillsborough rd & 4630 Hillsborough rd
100 lb Tank
- Used for a variety of purposes, including fireplaces, cooking, dryers, barbecues, and heating on temporary job sites
- 4’ tall, 18” diameter
- Holds approximately 25 gallons when full
- Portable, but may require two people to move. A dolly is an excellent tool to help move a 100 lb tank.
- Refills are available at our office conveniently located in Old West Durham 2907 Hillsborough rd & 4630 Hillsborough rd
Two 100 lb Tank Setup
- Two 100 lb tanks are connected with a switchover valve
- When one tank runs out, the valve will automatically switch to the full one
- Always have a backup supply of propane with a red/green indicator to tell you when tanks are low
- Refills are available at our office conveniently located in Old West Durham 2907 Hillsborough rd & 4630 Hillsborough rd
120 Gallon Tank
- Used for a variety of purposes including heating the home, hot water heaters, dryers, fireplaces, generators, and heating pools
- 4’ tall, 3’ diameter
- Holds 100 gallons of propane
- Not portable- can only be refilled with on-site propane delivery service
- The smallest tank we offer for propane delivery
330 Gallon Tank
- The most common size for home heating and water heaters
- Not portable
- Refill with our propane delivery service
500 Gallon Tank
- Can be used in residences (whole-home systems, generators, pool heating) or commercially (heating, dry cleaning, cooking, crop drying)
- Suitable for homes that are 2,500 to 4,500 square feet
- 5’ tall, 10’ long
- Holds 400 gallons at 80% capacity
- Can be placed above ground or buried below ground
- Refilling a 500 lb tank is available with propane delivery service
1,000 Gallon Tank
- Can be used in residences (whole-home systems, generators, pool heating) or commercially (heating, dry cleaning, cooking, crop drying)
- Suitable for most houses 4,500 square feet and larger
- 5’ tall, 16’ long
- Holds 800 gallons at 80% capacity
- Can be placed above ground or buried below ground
- Refilling a 1000 lb tank is available with propane delivery service
Still Not Sure What Size Propane Tank You Need?
Let the friendly and experienced propane professionals at Couch Oil Company help. For more information about propane tank installation, service, and delivery please fill out our propane application form (existing customers can order online) or give us a call at 919-286-5408.
