Propane tanks come in all different sizes and vary in use from powering your grill to your foodtruck, from your forklift to your fleet, from drying your crops to keeping your materials warm. In all cases, propane keeps your business fueled and operating with the highest efficiency.
What size propane tank do you need?
Tank sizes range from portable 20-lb. containers to tanks that can hold over 2,000 gallons. The size of your propane tank will depend on the size and type of your business as well as the number and size of appliances using propane.
Your geographical location and local climate can also play a role in choosing your propane tank size. For example, a tank for heating in milder climates may not need to be as big as a tank for heating in a colder climate. This guide can help you determine the right size tank for your needs and location.
Review the propane tank size guide below for more information on propane tank sizes. It is important to note that a propane tank is only able to be filled to 80%. The tanks details will highlight how many gallons you get when full.
Propane Tank Sizes for Business
This guide provides sizes and usage for the most common propane tanks for commercial use.
Please note that there may be slight variances in dimensions by manufacturer.
1000 Gallon Propane Tank
Dimensions: 16' 2" long and 41" in diameter
Uses: Large commercial appliances and heating, fleet and transportation refueling.
A 1000 gallon propane tank holds 800 gallons when full.
500 Gallon Propane Tank
Dimensions: 9' 11" long and 37.5" in diameter
Uses: Commercial applications include heating, temporary heating, cooking, and a variety of agricultural applications.
A 500 gallon propane tank holds 400 gallons of propane when full.
250 Gallon Propane Tank
Dimensions: 7'10" long and 30" in diameter
Uses: Supplemental heating or 2 home appliances including water heaters, generators, and pool heaters.
A 250 gallon propane tank holds 200 gallons of propane when full.
120 Gallon Propane Tank
Dimensions: 4'6" in height and 30" in diameter
Uses: Commercial uses include dry cleaning, temporary heating, commercial cooking, and heating smaller spaces.
A 120 gallon propane tank is also commonly referred to as 420 lb propane tank. 120 gallon propane tanks hold 96 gallons of propane when full.
57 Gallon Propane Tank
Dimensions: 43" in height and 24" in diameter
Uses: Residential businesses that need to run only 1-2 small home appliances such as a cooktop or clothes dryer.
A 57 gallon propane tank is also referred to as 200 lb propane tank. When filled to capacity a 200 lb propane tank holds 46 gallons of propane.
100 lb Propane Tank
Dimensions: 4' in height and 1'6" in diameter
Uses: Commonly used for commercial use and by contractors for a single appliance such as a cooktop or for temporary heating at job sites.
A 100 pound propane tanks holds approximately 23 gallons of propane when full.
33 lb Propane Tank
Dimensions: 2' in height and 1' in diameter
Uses: Propane Forklifts
A 33 lb propane tank holds about 7.8 gallons of propane.
20 lb Propane Tank
Dimensions: 1' 6" in height and 1' in diameter.
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.
Propane tanks can be placed either above ground or underground.
Above Ground Propane Tanks
Aboveground come in several common sizes ranging from 100 gallons to 1,500 gallons. Above ground tanks cost less and are quicker to install than below ground propane tanks. They also allow for easier access for maintenance. Unlike underground tanks, above ground tanks are visible but can be hidden with landscaping or fencing, just make sure to check your local codes and safety requirements. For commercial clients, above ground tanks may be the best choice for temporary sites because they are easier to move.
Underground Propane Tanks
Underground propane tanks come in multiple sizes ranging from 250 gallons to 1,500 gallons. Underground propane tanks handle colder and extreme temperatures better than above ground tanks. Below ground tank installation requires excavation and may also require a permit in certain jurisdictions. Below ground tanks are more costly and take longer to install than above ground tanks.
Buying & Installing Your Commercial Propane Tank
AmeriGas Professionals will help you through the process of selecting a tank and having it properly installed. Contact us and we'll be happy to help.
AmeriGas representatives are always available at 1-800-AMERIGAS. Just a few quick questions and our representative will be able to provide you with:
- A recommended tank size
- A price quote
- Details on the installation process
- Assistance with any local permits and paperwork (if necessary)
- An installation date that works best for you
Your initial service may include a survey of your property to provide the best recommendations for tank size and location. Your installation will include a walk-through of your new AmeriGas propane tank system and safety procedures.