Estimate propane burn time from the fuel in your tank and the appliance BTU/hr, lb/hr or gal/hr rating, or find the fuel needed or average burn rate.

Propane in the tank, not its empty weight. A full 20 lb grill tank holds about 20 lb (4.7 gal); gallons use 4.24 lb/gal.

Use the appliance or generator BTU/hr rating, or its fuel use in lb/hr or gal/hr. BTU/hr assumes about 91,452 BTU per gallon.

Optional settings

Related Calculators

Propane Burn Time Formula

The following equation is used to calculate the Propane Burn Time.

BT = TC / BR
  • Where BT is the burn time (hr)
  • TC is the usable propane fuel mass (lbs)
  • BR is the burn rate (lbs/hr)

To estimate burn time, divide usable propane fuel mass by a constant actual burn rate. Cycling, temperature and vaporization limits can change actual runtime; this does not size a tank or regulator.

What is Propane Burn Time?

Definition:

Propane burn time refers to the estimated duration for which a propane tank can provide fuel based on its capacity and consumption rate.

How to Calculate Propane Burn Time?

Example Problem:

The following example outlines the steps and information needed to calculate the propane burn time.

First, determine the tank capacity. In this example, the propane tank holds 20 lbs.

Next, determine the burn rate. In this example, the propane burns at a rate of 4 lbs per hour.

Finally, calculate the burn time using the formula above:

BT = TC / BR

BT = 20 / 4

BT = 5 hours

FAQ

What factors can affect propane burn time?

Propane burn time can be influenced by factors such as ambient temperature, appliance efficiency, and the condition of the propane tank. Variations in burn rate due to equipment performance can also affect the overall burn time.

How can I improve the efficiency of my propane usage?

To improve propane efficiency, ensure that your appliances are well-maintained and operate under optimal conditions. Regular system checks and avoiding excessive burn rates can help maximize propane usage.

Is it safe to completely deplete a propane tank?

Follow your propane supplier’s instructions and avoid running out of gas. After an interruption of service, qualified inspection and leak checking may be required before propane service resumes; this runtime estimate does not establish safe operation.