Propane Tank Runtime Calculator
Estimate how long your propane tank will last based on tank size, appliance BTU rating, and usage hours per day.
Estimated Runtime
How propane runtime is calculated:
Propane contains approximately 91,500 BTU per gallon.
Formula:
Runtime (hours) = (Tank gallons × 91,500) / Appliance BTU rating
Common propane tank sizes:
| Tank Size | Gallons | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 lb canister | 0.24 gal | Camping stoves |
| 20 lb (standard grill) | 4.7 gal | Grills, small heaters |
| 30 lb | 7.1 gal | RVs, larger grills |
| 40 lb | 9.4 gal | RVs, small homes |
| 100 lb | 23.6 gal | Whole-house backup |
| 420 lb (100 gal) | 100 gal | Residential supply |
Common appliance BTU ratings:
- Gas grill (medium): 30,000–40,000 BTU
- Patio heater: 40,000–50,000 BTU
- Portable heater: 9,000–18,000 BTU
- Fireplace: 25,000–40,000 BTU
- Propane generator: 100,000+ BTU
Note: Tanks are typically filled to 80% capacity for safety. Actual runtime varies with altitude, temperature, and appliance efficiency.