There are different reasons you may need to know the propane tank weight. Whether you are using propane for grilling or heating your house, you always need to know how much fuel you have so that you don’t run dry at a critical moment. This article explains the propane tank weight, how much propane weighs, and what you can expect when your tank is full.
The propane tank weight is referred to as the weight, which is the overall weight of a propane tank including the tare weight along with the propane in it. Most tanks for grills, RVs, or small appliances are measured by the amount of propane they hold in pounds; for example, a 20-pound tank. Of course, the weight of a full propane tank is much more than 20 pounds, simply because the weight must include both the propane and the metal shell known as the tare weight of the tank.
Tare weight, TW is the weight of an empty tank. The majority of 20-pound propane cylinders, which are the most commonly used for grills, have a tare weight of around 17 pounds. This tare weight is stamped on the collar of your tank. To find the total weight of a propane tank, you just need to add the tare weight to the amount of propane the tank holds.
To appreciate the whole volume of a propane tank, one needs to get an idea of how much propane weighs. Propane weight per gallon is about 4.2 pounds. The weight of a typical 20-pound propane tank contains about 4.7 gallons of propane. That means a full 20-pound tank weighs about 37 pounds (17-pound weight of the tank + 20 pounds of propane).
One important safety rule you should know regarding propane tanks is the ‘80% fill rule.’ Propane tanks are never filled to 100 percent capacity so that room exists for expansion of gas inside the tank. This allows for room and prevents dangerous overpressure conditions if propane in the tank expands when the temperature in a given area increases. A 20-pound propane tank would probably be around 16 pounds of propane. This means that even though the tank reads 20 pounds, it actually has only 80% of what’s contained in the liquid.
Propane does not have its own built-in gauges to determine how much you have left in the tank. It’s hard to tell this, though there are simple ways to check on this:
Use a scale to weigh your propane tank, subtracting the tare weight from the current total weight to leave you with the weight of propane remaining in the tank. In our example, suppose your 20-pound propane tank weighs 27 pounds and the tare weight is 17 pounds. That leaves 10 pounds of propane, or about half a full tank.
Currently in the market are propane tank gauges, which assist in measuring pressure and making an approximation of the balance of propane remaining. A few of these can be mounted directly between the gas line and the tank valve.
One interesting method to check the propane tank weight is the water method. Pour warm water over one side of the propane tank, and then run your hand along the surface of the propane tank. The point at which it feels cool to the touch is where the propane is in the propane tank.
Below is a listing of full propane tank weight for common sizes, assuming the tare weight of the tank as well as the propane inside:
20 lbs.
100 gallons
120 gallons
250 gallons
500 gallons
17 lbs.
215 lbs
260 lbs.
485 lbs.
950 lbs.
20 lbs.
340 lbs.
408 lbs.
850 lbs.
1,700 lbs.
37 lbs.
555 lbs.
668 lbs.
1,335 lbs.
2,650 lbs.
Knowing the weight of your propane tank, you are guaranteed to have as much as you need to grill for your friends, possibly a generator in case of a power outage. We at Liquid Propane recommend checking the weight of your tank regularly to avoid running dry without warning.
Propane tanks have to be handled carefully. Since propane is flammable, mishandling it leads to accidents. Maintain the tanks in a well-ventilated area that is either sheltered from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures and under no circumstances attempt to overfill tanks. Remember a propane tank should not be more than 80% full for safety purposes.
Make sure you get this done by some professionals who are experts in this niche. One good source for this is Liquid Propane, for expert guidance and service concerning the safe usage of propane. Let only trained professionals from trusted sources like Liquid Propane fill up your propane tanks and handle your propane requirements to avoid any possible outcomes.
With Liquid Propane, you can refill or exchange propane, and they’ll fill your empty tank up to 80% capacity or exchange the empty for a full one. The easy way to make sure you will have enough propane to go through your grilling season without a hitch.
Knowing the propane tank weight is where managing your propane supply begins. In this way, you can know how much is propane weight per gallon and check the level of your tank so that you’re not caught unprepared. And whether you use it for your home or your grill, propane remains an efficient and convenient fuel. We are here at Liquid Propane to help meet all your propane needs so you can stay powered up safely and efficiently.
Also Read: How to maintain a propane tank?
