Generator Propane Tank Sizing Guide


Propane Tank Capacity and Size - LP Vapor Withdrawl


Tank Capacity Total
(gallons)
120 150
Tank Capacity Usable
(gallons)
72 90
Tank Capacity
(BTU/hour) >40°F
246,240 293,760
Tank Capacity
(BTU/hour) >20°F
164,140 195,840
Tank Capacity
(BTU/hour) >0°F
82,080 97,920
Dimensions:
Length
57″ 68″
Dimensions:
Diameter
24″ 24″
Dimensions:
Overall Height
33″ 33″
Tank Capacity Total
(gallons)
250 325
Tank Capacity Usable
(gallons)
150 195
Tank Capacity
(BTU/hour) >40°F
507,600 624,600
Tank Capacity
(BTU/hour) >20°F
338,400 428,400
Tank Capacity
(BTU/hour) >0°F
169,200 214,200
Dimensions:
Length
94″ 119″
Dimensions:
Diameter
30″ 30″
Dimensions:
Overall Height
39″ 39″
Tank Capacity Total
(gallons)
500 850 1000
Tank Capacity Usable
(gallons)
300 510 600
Tank Capacity
(BTU/hour) > 40°F
792,540 1,217,700 1,416,960
Tank Capacity
(BTU/hour) > 20°F
528,360 811,800 944,640
Tank Capacity
(BTU/hour) > 0°F
264,180 405,900 472,320
Dimensions:
Length
119″ 165″ 192″
Dimensions:
Diameter
37″ 41″ 41″
Dimensions:
Overall Height
46″ 50″ 50″

Estimated Fuel Usage for Liquid Propane (LP) and Natural Gas (NG)

Operating Cost for Propane or Natural Gas:

Operating Cost per Hour for Natural Gas Generators = NG Therms/hour x Cost of NG Therm

Operating Cost per Hour for Propane Generators = LP Gal/hour x Cost of LP Gal

Load
(kW)
5 10 15
BTU/Hour 110,000 176,400 231,800
LP
(Gal/hr)
1.2 2.0 2.5
NG (ft3/hr) 110 156 220
NG
(Therms/hr)
1.1 1.6 2.2
Load
(kW)
20 25 30
BTU/Hour 267,100 352,800 418,300
LP
(Gal/hr)
2.8 3.8 4.5
NG
(ft3/hr)
262 316 417
NG
(Therms/hr)
2.6 3.2 4.2
Load
(kW)
35 40 50
BTU/Hour 467,400 550,000 675,000
LP
(Gal/hr)
5.1 6.1 7.5
NG
(ft3/hr)
485 550 675
NG
(Therms/hr)
4.8 5.5 6.7
Load
(kW)
60 70 80
BTU/Hour 836,600 1,035,700 1,170,000
LP
(Gal/hr)
9.0 11.0 12.7
NG
(ft3/hr)
862 1,020 1,154
NG
(Therms/hr)
8.6 10.2 11.5
Load
(kW)
90 100 110
BTU/Hour 1,200,000 1,280,000 1,550,000
LP
(Gal/hr)
13.0 13.8 17.1
NG
(ft3/hr)
1,200 1,260 1,550
NG
(Therms/hr)
12.0 12.6 15.5
Load
(kW)
120 130 140
BTU/Hour 1,675,000 1,800,000 1,925,000
LP
(Gal/hr)
18.5 19.5 21.3
NG
(ft3/hr)
1,675 1,786 1,925
NG
(Therms/hr)
16.7 17.8 19.2
Load
(kW)
150 200 300
BTU/Hour 2,050,000 2,800,000 4,100,000
LP
(Gal/hr)
22.7 30.9 45.3
NG
(ft3/hr)
2,050 2,800 4,100
NG
(Therms/hr)
20.5 28.0 49.0

Propane or Natural Gas Required to Run Common Appliances using a Generator

Appliance Approximate Input
(BTU/hr)
WARM AIR FURNACE
Single Family 100,000
Multi-family, Per Unit 60,000
HYDRONIC BOILER, SPACE HEATING
Single Family 100,000
Multi-family, Per Unit 60,000
HYDRONIC BOILER, SPACE AND WATER HEATING
Single Family 120,000
Multi-family, Per Unit 75,000
RANGES
Free Standing, Domestic 65,000
Built-in Oven or Broiler Unit, Domestic 25,000
Built-in Top Unit, Domestic 40,000
WATER HEATER, AUTOMATIC STORAGE
30 - 40 Gallon Tank 35,000
50 Gallon Tank 50,000
WATER HEATER, INSTANTANEOUS
2 Gallon per Minute 142,800
4 Gallons Per Minute 285,000
6 Gallons Per Minute 428,000
OTHER APPLIANCES
Water Heater, Circulating or Side-arm, Domestic 35,000
Refrigerator 3,000
Clothes Dryer, Type 1 (Domestic) 35,000
Gas Fireplace, Direct Vent 40,000
Gas Log 80,000
Barbecue 40,000
Gas Light 2,500
Incinerator, Domestic 35,000

Warning: When using this information to perform electrical work, call a licensed electrician and consult the NEC® for safety. All licensed electricians have passed examinations covering the National Electric Code®, know state and local building codes, and may carry insurance to cover damages.