Here's a simple "how-to" guide for the next time you check your tank gauge. Knowing how to read your propane tank gauge will help accurately relay the information to one of our Customer Care Representatives on the other end when you call us for a delivery.
You may have heard before that the gauge shows the total amount of gallons in the tank. Incorrect! It actually displays the propane level as a percentage of the capacity of your tank. So what do you need to know about checking your propane tank levels?
Not every propane tank has the same gauge. But they all have the same purpose, to show you how much propane is in your tank. Most tank gauges are “float gauges” (much like a fuel gauge in a vehicle – think antique trucks!), which reads the level of liquid propane in the tank by the floating arm. This does so by a float assembly that is within the tank and controls the arm gauge. While the level drops, the float gauge will also. Below are some example gauges you may come across.
Propane tank gauges vary in style. So how do I check my propane tank levels?
Using example B as our spotlight propane tank gauge, notice how the floating arm is at 40%. Using that 40%, we can determine how much propane is left in your tank based on your tank size and propane tank gauge reading we’ve just done.
To make life simpler and spare you from doing the math, we’ve put together a handy chart that is a great quick glance at how many gallons you have left in your propane tank.
| Gauge Reading | 120 Gallon Tank | 250 Gallon Tank | 500 Gallon Tank | 1,000 Gallon Tank |
| 80% | 96 gallons | 200 gallons | 400 gallons | 800 gallons |
| 70% | 84 gallons | 175 gallons | 350 gallons | 700 gallons |
| 60% | 72 gallons | 150 gallons | 300 gallons | 600 gallons |
| 50% | 60 gallons | 125 gallons | 250 gallons | 500 gallons |
| 40% | 48 gallons | 100 gallons | 200 gallons | 400 gallons |
| 30% | 36 gallons | 75 gallons | 150 gallons | 300 gallons |
| 20% | 24 gallons | 50 gallons | 100 gallons | 200 gallons |
| 10% | 12 gallons | 25 gallons | 50 gallons | 100 gallons |
If calculating your fuel level isn’t something you want to take on, consider our Automatic Fuel Delivery option. We’ll monitor your fuel usage using our tried-and-true formula which accounts for K-Factors, heating and usage methods, and weather. We schedule your deliveries within the perfect timeframe of need to give you total peace of mind. Let us take on the tracking of your gallons!
While we always recommend Automatic Delivery, knowing how to read your propane tank gauge is excellent homeowner knowledge! Keep this guide handy for the future!
