Understanding what propane tank size you need can cause you a lot of stress. Luckily, our nationwide team of experts can help you make the decisions to get the most out of your propane.
We have plenty of options for those of you who require flexibility. Check out our many offerings before you contact us!
What propane tank size is right for you?
120-gallon (420-lb) propane tank size:
A standard120-gallon propane tank is primarily designed for hot water heaters, fireplaces, home appliances, or space heating for homes. Other uses can also include powering a range or clothes dryer.
- 54.5” height and 30” in diameter
- Holds 96gallonsofpropane
250-gallon propane tank size:
Designed for moderate propane uses, a 250-gallon horizontal propane tank can support appliances such as a clothes dryer, fireplace, and stove, and is sufficient for a heating system for modest-sized homes.
- 7’10” long and 30” in diameter
- Holds 200 gallons of propane
325-gallon propane tank size:
A compromise between the 250-gallon and 500-gallon tanks, the 325-gallon propane tank is the perfect fuel source for backup generators, or some smaller homes that use less than 500 gallons of propane per year.
- 10’ long and 30” in diameter
- Holds 260 gallons of propane
500-gallon propane tank size:
A 500-gallon tank’s main use comes from providing power to central heating and small commercial projects.
- 9’11” long and 37.5” in diameter
- Holds 400 gallons of propane
Wondering why your propane tank can’t be filled full?
1000-gallon propane tank size:
Thousand-gallon tanks are generally reserved for large industrial and commercial projects, as well as for home heating.
- 16’1.5” long and 41” in diameter
- Holds 800 gallons of propane
As a note, all propane tanks should be a minimum of 10 feet away from your home, with larger tanks installed even further away. Dimensions of a tank can vary based on manufacturer. For full safety information on Container Distance Requirements, please reach out to your local Ferrellgas office.
Where to install your propane tank?
When you rent a propane tank from us, we give you the choice of placing it above ground or underground. There are plenty of benefits to both, and your final choice depends on the vision for your property.
Above Ground Propane Tank Benefits:
- Built to endure harsh weather and elements
- Easy to maintain and service
- Doesn’t require digging into your yard
Underground Propane Tank Benefits:
- Doesn’t take up valuable space in your yard
- Quick installation process, done by a Ferrellgas expert
As a note, most underground tanks are sold new to our customers. Select Ferrellgas locations may allow you to lease an underground propane tank. Please speak with a Customer Service Specialist for more information.
Other Common Propane Tank Sizes
RV Propane Tank:
RV propane tank is the essential fuel for your RV. It helps to keep your fridge and hot water running, and to power your furnace and stove burners.
- Two types of RV propane tanks: the ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) (permanent) and the DOT (Department of Transportation) (removable)
- Common sizes are 20-lb: 18” long and 12.5” in diameter, 30-lb: 24” long and 12.5” in diameter, 40lb: 29” long and 12.5” in diameter
- 18” height and 12” in diameter
- 33lb - 26.75” height and 12.5” in diameter
- 43lb - 33.3” height and 12.2” in diameter
Portable Grill Tanks:
Portable grill tanks are perfect convenient propane source for your backyard grills and portable grills. 20-lb. is the size you can find at Ferrellgas.
Forklift Propane Tanks:
Propane forklifts are commonly used in the warehouse, construction, and agricultural industries. At Ferrellgas we sell and fill both 33- and 43-pound tanks.
Let the experts help you
While there are some important matters to consider and choose from, you can always rest easy knowing that the propane professionals at Ferrellgas have worked with customers for more than 80 years now to determine the best tank size solution. Give yourlocal Ferrellgas officea call today to start the conversation.
FAQs
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 do the numbers mean on a propane tank? ›
Look at the gauge attached to the tank with numbers from 5 to 95. The numbers indicate the percentage of gas in the tank. If your tank has a gauge that ranges 0-300 that is pressure not percentage. This chart shows how many gallons of propane you have in your tank at a given percentage.
How long will a 500 gallon propane tank last? ›
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.
Why would a house need 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.
How do I choose a propane tank? ›
The Size of Your Home
A 500-gallon tank is usually the best option for homes using propane for heat and powering appliances. If your home exceeds 3,500 square feet, you should consider buying two 500-gallon containers or installing a larger underground propane tank.
What is the most common propane tank size? ›
Benefits: A 500-gallon propane tank can be placed above ground or underground. This size tank is the most commonly used propane tank size and can be used to heat entire houses and for commercial applications.
Why does my 20lb propane tank say 15 lb? ›
A store or company may try to tell you that the 20 lb cylinder can only hold 15 pounds because they cannot be filled all the way up due to safety. They are double counting. With the full 20 lbs there is still about 20% space left for expansion.
What does 40 mean on a propane tank? ›
When the needle is on 40 the tank is half full of propane. If you are like many Americans you use propane for heat, water heating, cloths drying, fire places, cooking, backup power, and outdoor living.
What does 20 mean on propane tank? ›
If your propane tank gauge is at 20%, don't panic. While this does indicate that it's time to reorder, you likely have a few days of propane left. Be sure to call and schedule propane delivery with your propane supplier to avoid running out. If possible, reduce your propane usage until your tank is refilled.
Is electricity or propane cheaper? ›
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating a home with propane has cost far less than heating with electricity. Over time, propane water heaters can cost one-third less to operate and recover water twice as quickly as electric water heaters – saving you money!
Unlike those other types of fuel, propane never “goes bad.” It makes propane an extremely smart choice for all kinds of appliances and equipment in your home. This includes water heaters—which you use all the time—but also for those appliances you use sporadically, like space heaters and fireplaces.
How long will a 24kw Generac generator run on a 500-gallon propane tank? ›
If the Generac generator is running on propane, with a 500-gallon tank, it should run 24 hours a day for over a week. There are 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-hour tanks available. Make sure the generator isn't running out of oil by monitoring its oil consumption.
How close to a house can a propane tank be? ›
For 125- to 500-gallon propane tanks, the distance is at least 10 feet – from any building and from any property line. 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.
Why buy an empty propane tank? ›
Firstly, you'll save on the price of the propane; the difference can be up to $1.75 per gallon! Secondly, you can also save because you'll pay only for the propane you use.
Why do rural homes have propane tanks? ›
A 500 gallon propane tank is pretty common in rural areas that do not have natural gas service. It is used for home heating, cooking, water heating and clothes drying. A few people hook their backup generator to it. The tank is filled a couple of times a year for most people by a tanker truck.
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.
How many gallons does a 20 lb propane tank hold? ›
20 lb Propane Tank
Uses: Commonly used for resale and with propane grills, generators, patio heaters, and other outdoor equipment. 20 pound propane tanks are often referred to as grill cylinders and hold 4.6 gallons of propane when full.
Are all 500 gallon propane tanks the same size? ›
500 Gallon tanks are approximately 10' long and 38” in diameter.
What is the standard size propane tank for a grill? ›
20 lb propane tank
The most commonly used propane tank, the 20 lb tank is the standard size tank for barbecue grills, mosquito magnet, turkey fryer, small space heaters.
