What is the Weight of a Full Propane Tank?

Important Facts You Should Know About Your Tank

There are many great reasons that nearly 61 percent of American grillers use propane. After all, it’s a clean-burning fuel that produces incredible amounts of heat per cubic foot. Its flame is powerful and can be adjusted for precise temperature control. Propane also leaves no chemical taste, all without the ash and coals to clean up afterward.

Propane can be transported under pressure in a liquid form. For grillers, the most common way to receive your propane is in a portable cylinder. But how much does a full cylinder weigh, and how can you tell how much propane is left in your tank?

How Much Does a Full Propane Cylinder Weigh?

For the most part, grills utilize a 20-pound portable propane cylinder, also called a 5-gallon tank. This is the propane tank size you commonly find at home stores, gas stations, and hardware stores. A 20-pound cylinder is compatible with pretty much all propane refill stations.

Typically, a full 20-pound tank weighs 37 pounds because the weight of an empty cylinder—also called the Tare Weight (TW)—is 17 pounds. It holds 20 pounds of fuel, which is called its Water Capacity (WC), adding up to 37 pounds.

Each portable propane tank has a marking on the neck for the TW and the WC. You can determine the filled weight by adding those two numbers.

How Much Cook Time Can You Get from One 20-Pound Cylinder?

For a medium-sized grill, one 20-pound tank of propane typically gets you between 18 and 20 hours of cooking time. Larger, multi-burner grills may only get 10 hours from a 20-pound cylinder.

How Can You Figure Out How Much Fuel is in Your Propane Cylinder?

There are several ways to determine how much propane is in your portable tank, including the following methods:

• Weigh your cylinder on a scale, then deduct the TW. You can divide the resulting number by the WC to figure out the percent fill on the tank.
• Pour a bucket of hot water over the side of the cylinder, then feel the metal. The fill line will be where the cylinder metal turns cold. (Propane absorbs heat!)
• Buy an external gauge to attach between your cylinder’s valve and the grill connection. Gauges help tell you the percent fill of your tank. Some even tell you how much cooking time you have left!

Find Propane Cylinders & Tanks Nearest You in Delmarva and Eastern Pennsylvania

Since 1954, Poore’s Oil & Propane has provided top-tier fueling services to customers. The people we deliver propane to are our neighbors, and we treat you that way.

We also provide stationary propane tank leasing, installation, and service. If your home’s heating, hot water, and major appliances depend on propane to operate, we can help you find the perfect tank for your needs.

Don’t settle for substandard propane delivery service. Get in touch with the Poore’s Propane team today and become a customer!