Propane Tank Sizes

WHAT SIZE PROPANE TANK DO I NEED?

The appropriate size propane tank for any individual home, business or farm will depend on a variety of factors including the climate at the location, the square footage of any buildings, and what applications propane will be used for (e.g., home heating, water heating, cooking and other appliance usage, or back-up power generation).

Woodford can provide and service a wide range of propane tank sizes. We will work with you to analyze your usage characteristics and calculate the best size propane tank to meet your needs.

COMMON PROPANE TANK SIZES

Propane tanks are manufactured by several different companies and they vary somewhat in their dimensions. The dimensions listed below are approximate, and reflect capacity sizes most commonly found in the U.S.

Regardless of size, propane tanks are designed to hold 80% of their listed capacity when full, rather than 100%. This is called the “80% fill rule,” and is used as a safety measure because propane will expand when its temperature rises.

Above-ground tanks and underground tanks essentially function in the same way, but there are different siting requirements for each type. Additionally, underground tanks have special design features that allow them to safely store propane underground. Propane tanks designed for above ground service cannot be installed underground.

120 Gallon/420 pound Vertical Propane Tank

Height	Diameter	Gallons (@ 80%)
52″	30″	100

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 more flexible siting requirements

150 Gallon Propane Tank

Length	Diameter	Gallons (@ 80%)
85″	25″	120

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 gallon tank is generally not intended for large, whole house or larger structure heating

250 Gallon Propane Tank

Length	Diameter	Gallons (@ 80%)
92″	30″	200

Commonly installed in warmer climates that experience shorter heating seasons
250 gallon 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%)
120″	37″	400

Installed in all climates for a multitude of uses, including mid to larger size BTU demands
Can be used for whole house heating for larger structures, depending on square footage
Often installed for commercial use and used for refilling cylinders
500 gallon tanks are available in above ground and underground tank types

1,000 Gallon Propane Tank

Length	Diameter	Gallons (@ 80%)
190″	41″	800

Installed and commonly found in climates with longer heating seasons
Can be used for whole structure heating in all climates
1,000 gallon tanks are preferred for high-demand BTU applications
Available in above ground and underground tank types
Subject to different siting requirements

PROPANE SERVICE AREA

Woodford delivers propane to our residential, commercial & industrial, and agriculture customers in the greater-Elkins area of West Virginia, the greater-Marlinton area of north-central West Virginia, and the Tri-State area of northern West Virginia, southern Pennsylvania, and western Maryland. Check our Propane Service Area for a list of some of the towns currently served.

Competitive Rates, Premium Service and Safe, Dependable Delivery

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