How long a 500 gallon propane tank lasts, by appliance
This is a large residential tank for whole-house heating and other appliances. It holds about 400 gallons of propane, which is 36,600,000 BTU. Runtimes are for the appliance running continuously, at full power and at 70% of its rating, with no refills.
| Appliance | BTU/hr | At full power | At 70% power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas grill, 2-burner | 24,000 | 1,525 h | 2,179 h |
| Gas grill, 3-burner | 36,000 | 1,017 h | 1,452 h |
| Patio heater | 40,000 | 915 h | 1,307 h |
| RV furnace | 30,000 | 1,220 h | 1,743 h |
| Tank water heater | 40,000 | 915 h | 1,307 h |
| Fire pit | 50,000 | 732 h | 1,046 h |
| Gas range (everything on, max) | 65,000 | 563 h | 804 h |
| Whole-house furnace | 80,000 | 458 h | 654 h |
| Tankless water heater | 150,000 | 244 h | 349 h |
Tips and safety
Bulk tanks are filled to 80% of capacity, and are best arranged on a regular delivery. Order a refill before the gauge reads 20 to 30%, and keep the tank clear of snow and vegetation. Use the propane runtime calculator for your own appliance, and see the propane tank guide for the formula and safety checklist.
Equivalents and practical notes
This tank holds the same propane as about 85 standard 20 lb cylinders, at 1,696 lb of propane.
Bulk tanks are filled by a delivery truck to 80% of capacity, and usually need a safe distance from the house and property lines (often 10 ft or more, set by local code and the tank size). Many suppliers offer automatic delivery, or a gauge reading you can check yourself.
Want to change anything else? The calculator above is the full Propane Tank Runtime Calculator: edit any number and the results update instantly.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a 500 gallon propane tank last on a grill?
About 1,017 h of cooking at full power on a 3-burner grill (36,000 BTU/hr), or 1,452 h at a more typical 70% of full power. A 2-burner grill (24,000 BTU/hr) gets 1,525 h at full power.
How many gallons of propane are in a 500 gallon tank?
About 400 gallons usable, because bulk tanks are filled to 80% of their water capacity. That is 36,600,000 BTU of energy.
How long will a 500 gallon propane tank run a furnace?
A whole-house furnace rated at 80,000 BTU/hr burning non-stop uses a 500 gallon tank in about 458 h (19.1 days). A furnace cycles on and off, so a tank lasts longer in practice. Smaller or more efficient homes use less.
Related sizes and guides
Estimates only. Results assume standard materials and simple shapes. Supplier products vary, and the final call on quantity, structure and safety is yours. Check your local code and your supplier's guidance before ordering.