Propane Tanks

Onsite Propane offers a number of different propane tank sizes to meet the needs of the wide range of residential and commercial customers we serve. Tanks are filled to approximately 80% of the total tank capacity to allow for expansion. For example, when the tank gauge reads 70% and your tank size is:

60 gallons, then you have 42 gallons
120 gallons, then you have 84 gallons
320 gallons, then you have 224 gallons
500 gallons, then you have 350 gallons
1,000 gallons, then you have 700 gallons

60-Gallon Tank

A standard 60-gallon tank holds 48 gallons of propane
Generally installed for residential cooking and clothes drying
Each tank is 43” in height and 24” in diameter.
Also known as a 200 lb. tank.

120-Gallon Tank

A standard 120-gallon tank holds 96 gallons of propane
Generally installed for residential hot water, and some space heating with sufficient storage to add a range or clothes dryer by hooking two of these tanks together
Each tank is 54.5” in height and 30” in diameter
Also known as a 420 lb. tank

320-Gallon Tank

A standard 320-gallon tank holds 256 gallons of propane
Generally installed for residential hot water or space heating with sufficient storage if you add a range or clothes dryer
Each tank is 9′ in length and 3′ 4″ in diameter

500-Gallon Tank

A standard 500-gallon tank holds 400 gallons of propane
Generally installed for larger homes with central heating and other appliances that use propane
Also suitable for small commercial applications
Each tank is 9’ 11” long and 37½” in diameter

1,000-Gallon Tank

A standard 1000-gallon tank holds 800 gallons of propane
Generally installed for commercial and industrial applications
Large commercial and industrial installations may require multiple 1000-gallon tanks
Each tank is 16’ 1½” long and 41” in diameter

Above Ground Tanks vs Underground

Residential propane tanks are used for many purposes. People choose to use propane for anything from a few small appliances like a BBQ grill an outdoor heater, or whole home energy needs. Many houses use propane for cooking, as well as for hot water and space heating. With this wide range in usage, there is also a wide range in propane tank sizes and options—and one of the most important to many homeowners is whether they want to locate their tank above ground or below ground.

Not all residential propane tanks are designed for underground use. Many smaller tanks, for example, are meant to be portable and must be taken to a propane supplier to be refilled or swapped out. Even tanks as big as “100 pounders” are designed for above ground use.

As you move to larger tanks, underground tanks become more practical.

Above ground propane tanks

Quick and easy to set up—simply “place and fill.”
No excavation required.
Easy to swap out in the future

Underground propane tanks

Help to meet an aesthetic need of a home owner
Sometimes harder to find in the winter
Can be more prone to accidental damage due to not seeing the tank

Different homeowners choose above or below ground for different reasons, and there is no wrong answer. If you’re interested in an underground tank, discuss this with your propane provider to make sure this is the right tank for you. There are additional guidelines for installing an underground tank as opposed to an above ground tank. These guidelines help to protect the tank from high water table, damage and make sure it can be accessed for maintenance and filling.

320-Gallon Underground Tank

500-Gallon Underground Tank

Contact us at

802-644-5500

Physical Address: 6 Putnam Memorial, Cambridge, Vermont | Mailing: P.O. Box 183, Cambridge, VT 05444 | [email protected]