Propane Tank Duration Calculator — How Long Will It Last?
Find out how many hours your propane tank will last based on grill BTU rating and tank size.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a 20 lb propane tank last for grilling?
A 20 lb propane tank contains about 430,000 BTUs. At 40,000 BTU/hr (typical mid-size grill running at full), that's roughly 10 hours. At 50% output during actual cooking, you can expect 18–20 hours of real grilling time — or about 12–15 typical 90-minute BBQ sessions.
How do I know how much propane is left in my tank?
Weigh the tank — a standard 20 lb tank weighs about 17 lbs when empty, so full weight is 37 lbs. Subtract the tare weight (stamped on the collar) from the current weight to estimate remaining propane. You can also pour warm water down the side — the propane level shows as a cool line.
What BTU rating should I look for in a grill?
For a family of 4, a 30,000–40,000 BTU grill is more than sufficient. BTU rating indicates maximum output — you rarely run at 100%. A high-BTU grill isn't always better; heat distribution and grill design matter more than raw BTU numbers.
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