Whether you’re grilling in the backyard, using a propane-powered heater, or operating a propane-powered appliance, understanding the weight of a full propane tank is essential. It impacts everything from transportation to how long your propane will last and how much you’ll pay to refill it. Knowing the weight of your tank helps ensure safety, prevent leaks, and even optimize the performance of your appliances.
In this article, we will explore how much a full propane tank weighs, how costs vary depending on factors like tank size and location, and other key aspects that impact its weight. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a deeper understanding of propane tanks, helping you make informed decisions when choosing and maintaining your tanks.
How Much Does a Full Propane Tank Weigh?
The weight of a full propane tank is a combination of the tank itself (known as the tare weight) and the propane it holds. Understanding this is essential for a variety of reasons, including the safe handling and transport of the tank, as well as knowing how much propane is left inside. Let’s break down the weight of a full propane tank based on the most commonly used sizes.
Standard 20 lb Tank
- Tare Weight (Empty Tank): Typically, an empty 20 lb propane tank weighs around 17 to 18 pounds (7.7 to 8.2 kg).
- Full Tank Weight: A full 20 lb propane tank weighs approximately 37 to 38 pounds (16.8 to 17.2 kg).
It’s important to note that the full tank weight includes both the propane and the tank itself. The 20 lb tank is one of the most popular sizes for grills and small heating appliances. It holds approximately 4.7 gallons (17.8 liters) of propane, which weighs around 20 lbs (9.1 kg).
Other Common Propane Tank Sizes
- 30 lb Tank:
- Tare Weight: Around 22 pounds (10 kg)
- Full Weight: About 55 pounds (24.9 kg) when filled to 80% capacity.
- 40 lb Tank:
- Tare Weight: Typically 26 pounds (11.8 kg)
- Full Weight: Roughly 72 pounds (32.6 kg) when filled to 80% capacity.
- 100 lb Tank:
- Tare Weight: Generally 60 pounds (27.2 kg)
- Full Weight: Around 165 pounds (74.8 kg), making it suitable for larger residential heating needs.
Notes on Weight Variations:
- Tank Design: The weight of a propane tank can slightly vary based on its manufacturer and design. Some tanks may have thicker walls or additional features like gauges or valves, which could add weight.
- Propane Density: Propane’s density can also vary slightly based on temperature, which may result in slight fluctuations in the weight of a full tank. However, the difference is usually minimal.
How Much Does a Full Propane Tank Cost?
The cost of refilling or exchanging a propane tank can fluctuate depending on several factors. It’s important to consider the type of service you choose (refilling vs. exchanging), the size of the tank, and where you live.
Refilling Costs
The most common way to get your propane tank filled is by refilling it. A 20 lb propane tank typically costs between $15 and $20 USD to refill, depending on the location and the supplier. Larger tanks will obviously cost more, with refills for 30 lb and 40 lb tanks ranging between $20 and $35 USD.
Several factors can impact the cost of refilling a propane tank:
- Location: Prices can vary based on your region. Urban areas may have slightly higher refilling prices due to higher demand and transportation costs.
- Seasonal Fluctuations: Propane prices often rise during colder months when demand for heating increases.
- Supply and Demand: If there’s a propane shortage or an increase in the market price, the cost of refills can rise accordingly.
Exchange Costs
An alternative to refilling is exchanging your empty propane tank for a full one at a local retailer. Exchange programs are convenient but often slightly more expensive. For example, exchanging a 20 lb propane tank may cost you anywhere between $20 and $30 USD. However, one downside is that you might not always get a tank filled to its full 20 lbs, as some exchange services provide tanks that are less than fully filled.
Factors Affecting Cost
- Supplier: Some suppliers may charge premium prices for convenience or for offering additional services, like delivery.
- Size of Tank: Larger tanks tend to be more expensive to refill or exchange due to the greater volume of propane required.
- Regional Pricing: Prices can vary significantly from state to state or city to city, based on local propane availability and competition.
Things That Impact the Full Propane Tank Weight
While the weight of a full propane tank largely depends on the amount of propane inside and the tank’s tare weight, there are several other factors that can influence the overall weight.
Tare Weight Variations
The tare weight is the weight of the tank when it’s empty. It can vary between different brands and models of propane tanks. Some tanks may have additional features like built-in gauges or thicker walls, which could slightly increase the tare weight.
For example, a standard 20 lb propane tank may weigh between 17 to 18 pounds (7.7 to 8.2 kg), while other tanks with extra features could weigh a little more. Always check the tare weight stamped on your tank to ensure you’re calculating its weight correctly.
Temperature Effects
Propane is a gas at room temperature, but when stored in a tank, it is kept under pressure and in liquid form. The density of propane changes with temperature, meaning that warmer temperatures may cause the propane to expand slightly, which can result in a small increase in weight. Similarly, in colder temperatures, propane contracts, reducing the weight of the liquid inside.
Tank Design and Features
Some propane tanks are designed with extra features such as built-in pressure gauges or safety valves. These extra components can add a few pounds to the overall weight of the tank. The material used to construct the tank can also have an impact. Tanks made from lighter metals may be somewhat lighter than those made from heavier steel.
Comparisons: Weight of Full Propane Tanks in Different Sizes
Choosing the right size propane tank depends largely on your needs and usage patterns. Larger tanks are better for people who use propane consistently or for extended periods. Let’s compare a few standard propane tank sizes and their full weights.
20 lb Tank (Full Weight: 37-38 lbs)
- Best for: Small grills, portable heating, camping stoves.
- Usage: Suitable for occasional use or short-term activities like barbecuing.
30 lb Tank (Full Weight: 55 lbs)
- Best for: Larger grills, small home heating appliances.
- Usage: Ideal for individuals who need a bit more propane for cooking or heating.
40 lb Tank (Full Weight: 72 lbs)
- Best for: Larger outdoor heating units, long-term grilling.
- Usage: Great for families or homeowners who need consistent heating or grilling.
100 lb Tank (Full Weight: 165 lbs)
- Best for: Whole-home heating, industrial equipment, or high-demand appliances.
- Usage: Best suited for those who require propane for extended periods or multiple applications.
How to Check the Weight of Your Propane Tank (and Determine How Much Gas Is Left)
Knowing how much propane is left in your tank is crucial for planning. Here are a few methods to check the remaining propane in your tank.
Weighing the Tank
One of the easiest ways to determine how much propane is left in your tank is to weigh it. First, check the tare weight printed on the tank. Then, weigh the tank (either on a scale or using a bathroom scale) and subtract the tare weight. This will give you the weight of the propane inside.
80% Rule
Always remember the 80% fill rule. This safety guideline dictates that propane tanks should be filled to no more than 80% of their capacity to allow for gas expansion due to temperature changes. This means that even if you have a 20 lb tank, it will only hold about 16 lbs of propane.
Water Dunk Test
Another method to check your propane level is the water dunk test. Pour warm water down the side of your tank and feel the tank’s surface. The area where the water feels cooler is where the propane level is. This method is not as accurate as weighing but can be useful in a pinch.
The Environmental Impact of Propane Tank Weight
Though propane is considered a cleaner fuel source compared to other fossil fuels, its environmental impact can still be significant, especially when it comes to the production and transportation of propane tanks. Larger propane tanks tend to be more durable and efficient, but they also require more raw materials to manufacture and more energy to transport.
Tank Durability
Heavier propane tanks tend to last longer due to the materials used in their construction. A well-built tank can withstand more wear and tear, leading to fewer replacements and less waste over time.
Efficiency and Environmental Footprint
Larger tanks may be more efficient in the long run, as they don’t need to be replaced or refilled as often. However, it’s important to balance the efficiency of the tank with its environmental footprint. Opting for larger tanks can reduce the need for multiple smaller tanks, which might be more energy-intensive to produce and transport.
Conclusion
Understanding the weight of your propane tank and the factors that influence it is key to ensuring safety, optimizing fuel usage, and making cost-effective decisions. From knowing how much your full propane tank weighs to choosing the right size for your needs, these insights help you get the most out of your propane tank. Remember, whether you’re refilling your tank or exchanging it, always consider the size, weight, and cost of the tank to ensure you’re making the best choice for your home or business.
Fun Facts About Propane Tanks
>>A full 20 lb propane tank can power a grill for up to 18 hours of cooking time.
>>Propane is stored as a liquid inside the tank but turns into a vapor when it’s released to your appliance.
>>Propane burns cleaner than other fossil fuels like gasoline and diesel, making it one of the cleanest burning fuels available.