What Size Propane Tank Do I Need?

Written on: June 26, 2023

Pico Propane’s Guide to Propane Tank Sizes Can Help!

If you’re new to propane, knowing what size storage tank might seem confusing. The propane tanks you use to fire up your grill seem to be measured in pounds, but when you look at larger storage tanks it’s all about gallons. How do you choose the right size? Whether you’re a new home-owner who has never run a home with propane, or you’re thinking of making the switch to propane, the pros at Pico Propane can help you understand all your options when it comes to choosing and installing a propane storage tank for your home or business.

Gallons or Pounds?

Unlike the portable tanks you use with your grill or RV, which are measured in pounds, residential propane tank size is usually given as their water capacity volume in gallons. That’s because propane, also known as “Liquid Propane Gas” or LPG, is stored in a liquid state under pressure. It’s easy to measure the gallons as they are dispensed into a large tank. But for smaller tanks, weight is an easier measurement.

The liquid gas needs room to expand into a vapor in order to flow through your gas lines. That’s why propane tanks are “filled” to 80% of its liquid capacity. For example, a 120-gallon tank will hold approximately 100 gallons of propane.

Size Matters

Knowing how you will use your propane—just for cooking, or for heating water, heating your home, and more—is the key to determining what size tank you will need. There are a lot of variables to consider, but we can help you take the guesswork out of calculating the best size tank for your needs.

Here’s a general guide to tank size:

• 40- to 100-pound cylinders: If you plan to use propane for a gas grill, patio heater, outdoor cookstove or for an RV, a refillable portable cylinder tank is what you want.
• 120-gallon propane tank: This size tank is perfect if you only use propane just for water heating or space heating, or to fuel a range or clothes dryer.
• 150-gallon propane tank: If you have one or two low-Btu appliances, such as a water heater, cooking range, space heaters, wall heaters or a clothes dryer, this size tank should provide ample propane.
• 250-gallon propane tank: For three or more propane appliances like ranges, water heaters or fireplaces (but not a furnace or boiler) you may need to go up to this size.
• 500-gallon propane tank: This is the minimum you’ll need if you heat your home with propane. You’ll have enough propane to also fuel appliances including fireplaces, ranges and water heaters.
• 800- to 1,000-gallon propane tanks: This capacity will fuel a large home or small commercial business heated with propane that also uses several propane appliances as well as high-Btu propane appliances like pool and spa heaters.

In addition to helping you choose the best size tank for your needs, our pros can help identify the best location for your tank, including whether underground or above ground is best, and make sure it’s installed safely. We’ve been installing tanks for all kinds of homes and businesses for more than 70 years. Whether you’re new to propane or just need to replace your tank, we’re here to answer all your questions.

Propane Delivery

Just as important as having the right size tank is knowing that you have reliable propane delivery service to ensure you always have propane. So it’s good to know that customers throughout Dade County choose Pico Propane for prompt, safe, and courteous propane delivery service for their homes and businesses.

Contact us today to learn more and become a customer.