What You’ll Learn
How do I figure out the best propane tank size for my home?
You should know the square footage of your house, the number of appliances in your house that use propane, and the climate you live in.
A professional can help you evaluate these factors to find the best tank size for your home.
In this blog:
This blog was updated February 2026.
You’re cooking your favorite meal.
Suddenly, the stove’s flame sputters out and won’t reignite.
When you go check your propane tank, the gauge is comfortably low.
Whether you heat your home with propane or only have a propane stove, you need the right tank size to accommodate your propane usage and the size of your home.
Running out of propane too quickly, like in the middle of cooking, might indicate that you need to upgrade your tank size. Whereas more efficient propane appliances may allow for a smaller tank with fewer refills.
Continue reading to learn why it’s important to choose the right size tank for your home.
Save on tank refills with the right propane tank size
Your propane needs change when your family grows, when the kids move out, or when you purchase or replace propane appliances. If you don’t have the right size propane tank to meet your needs, you could be spending more than necessary.
Choosing the right residential propane tank size that fits your home lifestyle will mean better savings and fewer fill-ups during the year.
Determine your propane tank size by home size, usage, and climate
Before your tank is installed, a trained technician will survey your home and usage to determine the appropriate size tank for you.
Factors to consider when choosing a tank size:
- Square footage of home
- Propane appliances installed
- Total BTU load of all installed appliances
Above-ground propane tank sizes:
- 100 Pound Tank
- 100 Gallon Tank
Above-ground & underground propane tank sizes:
- 500 Gallon Tank
- 1000 Gallon Tank
As you can see, any size propane tank can be installed above ground on your property. The underground options only include tanks that are 500 gallons or larger.
Common residential propane tank sizes for homes:
Important note: Each tank is filled to approximately 80% of total capacity to make room for tank expansion.
100-lbs Tank
Above Ground
A 100lb tank is typically used for mixed heating systems or residences with limited propane usage.
This size tank is commonly used for cooking and drying clothes.
The height of this tank is 43” in height and 14.5’ in diameter.
Up to 23.6 gallons are held in this size.
100-Gallon Tank
Above Ground
Smaller residences that rely on propane for house heating and gas cooking tend to purchase the 100 gallon tank.
The 100 gallon (not tank) is 52” high and 30 inches wide.
You will need at least a 100-gallon tank for whole-house heating.
500-Gallon Tank
Above Ground & Underground
A 500-gallon propane tank is an efficient option for larger homes (1,500 square feet or more) that use propane for several appliances.
Examples include: gas furnaces, gas fireplaces, gas ranges, gas hot water heaters, and gas clothes dryers. 500-gallon tanks are 9’11 long and 37½” in diameter.
1000-Gallon Tank
Above Ground & Underground
The 1000-gallon propane tank is most often used for large commercial businesses and the agricultural industry.
If you purchase a 1000-gallon tank, you will have greater control over when you need to fill your tank.
Large homes, farming equipment, and office heating are the common usages for this size tank. Each tank is 16’ 1½” long and 41” wide.
Average consumption of propane appliances
Propane consumption will vary by how often you use them and their BTU load. Here is a look at how much propane is used by propane appliances on average.
| Appliance | Furnaces | Clothes Dryers | Gas Stove Ranges | Hot Water Heaters | Gas Fireplaces |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BTU (per hour) | 100,000 | 35,000 | 65,000 | 40,000 | 30,000 |
| Gallons (annually) | 500-1200 gallons | 15-25 gallons | 25-50 gallons | 200-300 gallons | 100-300 gallons |
Control costs with a larger size tank
Propane prices fluctuate with the market throughout the year. 500 gallon tanks enable you to pre-buy your fuel in bulk during periods where propane prices are lower. Your propane will last longer, so you might not have to fill up when prices are at their peak.
Switch to Claim Your $499 Installation
Stop guessing at the right tank size and start optimizing your home’s comfort and budget.
Become a Kauffman Gas Customer and claim your $499 installation special. Our experts will survey your home, recommend the perfect tank size, and handle same-day installation—above ground or underground.
FAQs
What’s the most important factor in choosing a tank size?
The three key factors are your home’s square footage, the number and type of propane appliances you use, and your local climate.
A professional evaluates these together to recommend the right size.
Is there a minimum tank size for whole-house heating?
Yes. You will need at least a 100-gallon tank for whole-house heating.
Smaller tanks, like a 100-lb tank, are not designed to handle that level of consistent demand.
Can I bury any size propane tank underground?
No. Only tanks that are 500 gallons and larger are typically rated and installed as underground tanks.
Smaller tanks are for above-ground use only.
Why are tanks only filled to 80% capacity?
Propane needs room to expand safely inside the tank as temperatures change.
Filling to about 80% of the total capacity provides this necessary expansion space.