It can be a bit confusing. That is, how many gallons of propane to expect in a standard 20 lb tank (typical barbecue grill size) when it's "full".

However, I'm going to make information technology unproblematic for you (every bit simple as I tin can).

You will most likely get 4 gallons of propane when you bring your empty xx lb propane tank to go information technology refilled.

Technically, the tank won't be filled to it'due south maximum chapters. Merely for safety reasons, a twenty lb propane tank should simply fill to 80% of it'due south maximum. If you were somehow able to fill up the tank completely (unsafe) it would hold five gallons of propane.

Most consider a "full" 20 lb propane tank to hold iv gallons of propane.

Notation: Evidently today's 'exchange' propane tanks might just exist filled with xv pounds, or well-nigh 3.5 gallons.

One quick and easy style to know how much is in the tank:

BBQ grill propane tank gauge specifically calibrated for xx-pound (v-gallon)

>> PROPANE TANK GAUGE Scale
(view on amzn)
propane tank scale for bbq grill


Why but eighty% (iv gallons)?

Temperature plays a role. When the temperature rises, the LPG (propane) gas expands. Leaving a 20% empty margin in the tank volition provide a level of condom.

If a tank is overfilled and has rust at the seems or other defects, it can fail. A rupturing propane tank is is a SERIOUS THREAT TO LIFE.

The pressure level inside a propane tank is affected past temperature. It tin range from almost 60 psi (30 degrees F) to nigh 200 psi (100 degrees F).

Propane Tank Overfill Protection

Legal propane tanks will have an OPD, which is an Overfill Protection Device. It acts like a float, and will close the valve when it reaches 4.0-4.two gallons of propane.

How do I know if my propane tank has an OPD overfill protection device?

If you open up the tank'south valve and propane comes right out, you practice not have an OPD. They are likewise recognizable by the triangular hand wheel at the top of the valve itself. The hand cycle connecting to the valve stem is tamperproof and is not interchangeable with a cylinder not equipped with the overfill prevention safety machinery.

Propane pounds per gallon

Propane weighs 4.25 pounds per gallon.
Hither's a nautical chart:

4.25 – ane
8.l – 2
12.75 – 3
17.00 – four
21.25 – v
25.50 – 6
29.75 – seven

i. Weigh your propane tank

You might employ this multipurpose luggage scale:

>> LUGGAGE SCALE
(view on amzn)
Luggage scale up to 110 pounds

2. Subtract information technology'southward TW Tare Weight (stamped on tank collar).
3. Read chart above to find equivalent gallons.

A standard twenty lb propane tank volition typically fill with 17 pounds, or about four gallons.

For more details:
[ Read: How To Tell How Full (or Empty) Your Propane Tank Really Is ]