Propane Tank Size Calculator

Methodology

Sizing rule of thumb: a residential propane tank should hold roughly 1.6× your peak winter month's usage so you can ride out a cold snap or delivery delay without falling below the safe-fill minimum.

1. Peak winter usage: 100 gal/month.
2. Recommended capacity: 100 × 1.6 = 160 gal.
3. Round up to the next standard residential tank size (120, 250, 500, or 1000 gal): 250 gal.
4. Usable capacity is ~80% of nameplate (the safe-fill cap leaves room for liquid expansion), so a full tank should last ~2 months at this burn rate before you need a refill.

This is a sizing estimate for residential heating. It does not address installation, placement, or local rules — see the matching installation guide for those topics.