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How Long Does a Propane Tank Last on a Grill?

A standard 20-pound propane tank (the most common size for gas grills) holds approximately 4.7 gallons of propane and lasts about 18–20 hours of total burn time at medium heat on a typical residential gas grill. At high heat with all burners running, expect 8–12 hours. The exact burn time depends on your grill's BTU rating and which burners you use — a 60,000 BTU grill burns propane twice as fast as a 30,000 BTU grill. Use the calculator to find out exactly how long your specific tank will last for your specific grill.

The easiest way to check how much propane remains in a tank: pour hot (not boiling) water down the side of the tank. The propane inside absorbs the heat — run your hand down the tank and you'll feel a distinct temperature change at the propane level. Above the propane line: warm metal. At the propane level: cold metal. This works reliably within a few pounds of accuracy.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a 20 lb propane tank last on a grill?
A standard 20-pound propane tank lasts approximately: 18–20 hours at medium heat (one to two burners). 8–12 hours at high heat (all burners on high). 25–30 hours at low heat (one burner, smoking/low). As a rough rule: one pound of propane per hour at medium heat. Most people get 15–20 grilling sessions from a 20-pound tank.
How much propane do I need for a summer of grilling?
For a typical summer grilling season: if you grill 2–3 times per week for 3–4 months (40–50 sessions total), you'll use approximately 2–3 full 20-pound tanks. Each session burns 0.5–1.5 lbs of propane at medium heat. For a household that grills frequently (4+ times/week): plan for 4–5 tanks. Exchange services (like Blue Rhino) cost $20–25 per 15-pound fill (sold as '20-pound tanks').
How do I know when my propane tank is running low?
Signs propane is running low: flame is lower than normal at the same burner setting, one burner goes out while others still work, hot-water test shows liquid level is near the bottom. Most reliable method: use a propane tank scale (weight minus 18 lbs tare weight = propane remaining in pounds). A full 20-lb tank weighs about 38 lbs; empty is about 18 lbs. Digital gauges that attach to the tank valve provide continuous level readings.

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