How Long Does a Propane Tank Last When Grilling?

Last Updated: March 05, 2024

Nothing ruins a good cookout faster than an empty propane tank. The best way to avoid running out of propane is, of course, refilling your tank beforehand. But if you don’t have time to stop for a refill or if you’re planning a lengthy grilling session, you might be wondering how long your propane tank will last.

The short answer: it depends! The size of your propane tank plays a crucial role in burn time, but there are other factors that will heavily affect how long you can expect to keep your grill running.

You can also check the propane levels of your tank directly from your phone by using the Mopeka Bluetooth Gauge. Simply stick the magnetic sensor to the bottom of your tank and download the FREE app for accurate readings within a 300-foot range. Never run out of propane unexpectedly again!

As the propane experts, U-Haul has created this guide to help you figure out how long you can expect your BBQ tank to last based on both the tank size and the appliance you're using.

How Long Does a Propane Tank Last?

As mentioned previously, the size of your propane tank is the main factor in how long it will last. As shown in the chart above, 40-pound tanks generally last longer than 20- or 30-pound tanks because they have a higher capacity. Another important factor is the type of propane appliance you're using. For instance, grills with fewer burners tend to last longer than those with more.

Here’s an in-depth look at average burn times broken down by grill size, tank size, and heat output:

Grill Size	Burn Time on High - 20#	Burn Time on High - 30#	Burn Time on High - 40#
3 Burner	13.95 hours	21.23 hours	27.91 hours
4 Burner	10.47 hours	15.93 hours	20.93 hours
5 Burner	8.3 hours	12.74 hours	16.74 hours
6 Burner	6.98 hours	10.62 hours	13.95 hours
Grill Size	Burn Time on Med - 20#	Burn Time on Med - 30#	Burn Time on Med - 40#
3 Burner	18.60 hours	28.31 hours	37.21 hours
4 Burner	13.95 hours	21.23 hours	27.91 hours
5 Burner	11.16 hours	16.99 hours	22.33 hours
6 Burner	9.30 hours	14.16 hours	18.60 hours
Grill Size	Burn Time on Low - 20#	Burn Time on Low - 30#	Burn Time on Low - 40#
3 Burner	27.91 hours	42.47 hours	55.81 hours
4 Burner	20.93 hours	31.85 hours	41.86 hours
5 Burner	16.74 hours	25.48 hours	33.49 hours
6 Burner	13.95 hours	21.23 hours	27.93 hours

How to Calculate Your Propane Burn Time

If your appliance doesn't fit into any of the categories mentioned above, you can still figure out the estimated burn time with a bit of math. But before you grab a calculator, you'll need to know your appliance's BTU rating and your tank's size in pounds.

Formula for Calculating Estimated Propane Burn Time:

(Propane size in pounds*21,548)/BTUs of appliance = estimated burn time at high setting

Note that 21,548 is the BTU rating for one pound of propane. So, for example, if you have a 20 lb tank (which is 19.32 lbs.) and you're using it to power an appliance with a 30,000 BTU rating, you can expect it to last around 13.88 hours on a high heating setting.

Avoid Running Out of Propane

Want to avoid the hassle of running out of propane or having to do any math? The solution is simple: make sure to regularly refill your propane tank! U-Haul offers thousands of propane refill locations throughout the U.S. where you can find a certified propane professional ready to help you out. Don't wait until it's too late – find a refill location near you today!