How to Calculate Propane Usage
- 1). Measure your propane tank's height and diameter to determine its size. The height should be measured with the tank standing on its bottom, from the floor to the base of the propane tank collar. The propane tank collar is the raised piece surrounding the tank valve. Measure the diameter at the widest point by wrapping your measuring tape around the tank.
- 2). A 20 lb. tank is 18 inches high and has a diameter of 12.5 inches. A 30 lb. tank is 24 inches high and has a diameter of 12.5 inches. A 40 lb. tank is 29 inches high and has a diameter of 12.5 inches. A 100 lb. tank is 48 inches high and has a diameter of 14.5 inches.
- 3). Use your propane tank size to determine its BTU capacity when full. A 20 lb. propane tank has a 430,270 BTU capacity, A 30 lb. propane tank has a 649,980 BTU capacity, A 40 lb. propane tank has a 860,542 BTU capacity and a 100 lb. propane tank has a 2,160,509 BTU capacity.
- 4). Locate the appliance BTU rating. The BTU rating is found either on the appliance itself or in the owner's manual.
- 5). Use a calculator to divide your propane tank's BTUs by the appliance's BTU rating to determine how many hours your propane tank will power the appliance at 100 percent.
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