Propane Tank Sizes - Dimensions and Measurements
Propane containers/tanks are manufactured by several different companies and although each individual tank manufacturer has a different set of specifications and dimensions, they are generally comparable in their measurements. Below are the approximate dimensions of LP Gas tanks commonly found in the US. The graphics below depict the specific tank size relative to a 5 gallon propane bottle, commonly seen on a grill. The total capacity does not indicate that the tank can hold that many gallons of propane. Regardless of size, all tanks are designed to safely hold 80% of the total gallons of the tank's capacity.
For information on small portable tanks and their sizes, see Propane Cylinders.
120 Gallon Propane Tank
| Length |
Diameter |
Gallons (@ 80%) |
BTU's (@ 80%) |
| 68" (5'8") |
24" (2') |
96 |
8,784,000 |
- Smaller sized tank commonly used for small demand applications
- Generally serves a single or small number of appliances
- Commonly found in warmer climates with shorter heating seasons
- Subject to different, more flexible distance requirements
150 Gallon Propane Tank
| Length |
Diameter |
Gallons (@ 80%) |
BTU's (@ 80%) |
| 85" (7'1") |
25" (2'1") |
120 |
10,980,000 |
- Used for smaller demand applications such as cooking and water heating
- Typically used to service a smaller number of low BTU appliances
- Can be placed into service for heating smaller heaters such as space heaters
- A 150 is generally not intended for large whole house or larger structure heating
250 Gallon Propane Tank
| Length |
Diameter |
Gallons (@ 80%) |
BTU's (@ 80%) |
| 92" (7'8") |
30" (2'6") |
200 |
18,300,000 |
- Commonly installed in warmer climates that experience shorter heating seasons
- 250 gallon gas tanks are used for mid-size BTU demand requirements
- Can be used for whole house and structure heating depending on square footage
- Available in above ground and below ground tank types
500 Gallon Propane Tank
| Length |
Diameter |
Gallons (@ 80%) |
BTU's (@ 80%) |
| 120" (10') |
37" (3'1") |
400 |
36,600,000 |
- Installed in all climates and locales for a multitude of uses, including mid to larger size BTU demands
- Can be used for whole house heating for larger structures, contingent upon square footage
- Often installed for commercial use and used for refilling cylinders
- 500 gallon propane tanks are available for above and underground installation
1000 Gallon Propane Tank
| Length |
Diameter |
Gallons (@ 80%) |
BTU's (@ 80%) |
| 190" (15'10") |
41" (3'5") |
800 |
73,200,000 |
- Installed and commonly found in climates with longer heating seasons
- Can be used for whole structure heating in all climates
- 1000 gallon tanks are preferred for high demand BTU applications
- Available in above ground and underground tank types
- Subject to different distance requirements
