Propane Tank Size Guide for Homes & Businesses

If you’re unsure which propane tank size may be right for your home or business, this comprehensive guide covers some of the most common size options and the operations they can power. Tank sizing is often referred to in terms of pounds (lbs) and gallons. 

For example, as a rule of thumb, each gallon of propane weighs 4.24 pounds. A 20-pound portable grill tank—which weighs 17 pounds when empty—holds about 4.7 gallons of propane and will weigh about 37 pounds when full.

Portable propane tanks, like 20lb and 100lb tanks, can be exchanged or refilled at many gas stations, trailer rental facilities, and some hardware stores. These tanks must be filled with a special adapter because of their smaller capacity.

Standard Residential Propane Tank Sizes

These are the standard sizes you’ll find available for residential propane tanks, with dimensions and gallons included.

Please note: All propane tanks are filled only to 80% capacity. This is a safety measure that allows the liquid petroleum space to expand if the temperature rises.

120-Gallon and 124-Gallon Propane Tanks

These residential propane tanks come in two different orientations (vertical or horizontal) with two similar capacities (120-gallon or 124-gallon). Because of the minor size difference, we’ve included them together here.  

Vertical tanks of this size are typically around 54” tall and 30” in diameter. Their horizontal counterparts are approximately 68” long and 24” in diameter. These tanks are sometimes called 420-pound tanks. They hold between 96–100 gallons of propane when full.  

In most cases, they can fuel up to two residential appliances. Some people use them for a water heater, fireplace, or space heater, or alongside other small appliances like cooktops or dryers. 

Sometimes, two of these tanks are paired together—or manifolded—to emulate the capacity of a 250-gallon tank.

250-Gallon Propane Tank

Measuring 94” long and 30” in diameter, these tanks hold 200 gallons of propane when full.

These can be used for supplemental heating or powering two home appliances, such as generators, pool heaters, and water heaters. It can also serve as a heating system for homes with a smaller square footage.

330-Gallon Propane Tank 

Measuring 115” long and 30” in diameter, these tanks hold 265 gallons of propane when full. 

They can provide supplemental heating and power two home appliances at once, such as generators, pool heaters, or water heaters. They can also be included as part of a heating system for small homes, including mobile homes or rental units. 

500-Gallon Propane Tank

Designed to sit horizontally at 119” and a 37.5” diameter, these hold 400 gallons after our crews have finished filling them. They are also the most common tank size for heating homes in Michigan.

Tanks of this size can heat homes or power up to three propane appliances like generators and space heaters.

1,000-Gallon Propane Tank

These tanks hold 800 gallons of propane when full and measure 194” long with a 41” diameter.

They are among the largest residential tanks available and are typically associated with heating very large homes or multiple structures with significant annual propane usage. These tanks are also used in areas that are difficult to reach during poor conditions, such as rough terrain or steep, tricky driveways.

Commercial Propane Tank Sizes

Many of the same tank sizes can serve both residential and commercial applications, but some sizes are more commonly used for business purposes.

8-Gallon Forklift Cylinder

This 33-pound cylinder is the most common size available for forklift operations. It allows for up to eight hours of continuous operation, especially with smaller or more fuel-efficient forklifts.

10-Gallon Forklift Cylinder

The larger of the two options for forklift cylinders, these portable tanks weigh roughly 43 pounds when full. Designed for more powerful forklift operations, they typically last for six hours of continuous operation.

100-Pound Propane Tank

With a compact size and vertical setup, this propane tank is 48” tall and 18” in diameter and holds 23 gallons of propane when full. It’s ideal for temporary heating or machinery operation on remote job sites, as well as powering single appliances like cooktops for your bar or pub.

57-Gallon Propane Tank

Also called a 200-pound propane tank, the standard dimensions on this propane tank are 43” tall with a 24” diameter. It holds 46 gallons of propane when full.

120-Gallon Propane Tank

Identical in size and dimensions to their residential counterparts, these commercial tanks support food trucks, dry-cleaning equipment, commercial kitchens, and small- to mid-size heavy machinery, or up to two small appliances such as cooktops or washers and dryers.

250-Gallon Propane Tank

Measuring 94” like their residential counterparts, these tanks power water heaters, generators, and smaller agricultural applications.

330-Gallon Propane Tank 

Like their residential counterparts, these tanks hold 265 gallons of propane when full.

330-gallon tanks can be used for temporary heating needs and are common for mobile homes or rental units.

500-Gallon Propane Tank

For commercial operations, these large tanks power cooking equipment, agricultural machinery, generators, and space heaters for temporary heat on job sites and offices anywhere your work takes you.

1,000-Gallon Propane Tank

These tanks are among the largest standard sizes available. Much like their identically sized residential counterparts, they can power virtually any of your commercial appliances, along with refueling your fleet.

Placement Considerations

Since propane tanks hold flammable materials, both residential and commercial tanks must follow these placement guidelines at a minimum:

• The tank must be at least 6 feet away from any overhead wires such as telephone or electrical lines.
• It must be installed at least 10 feet away from buildings, windows, air conditioners, mechanical ventilation air intakes, and your home or business’s property line.
• It also should be less than 80 feet from your driveway or other point of access.

Working with a professional tank installation team like ours at Crystal Flash guarantees your tank’s placement will be safe and compliant with these regulations. Our team is familiar with all requirements at the federal, state, and local levels.

Still Not Sure Which Size to Choose?

Get started today or reach out to our expert support team to learn about which propane tank size may be best for your needs.