Propane Tanks
Outdoor Living · 8 specs
Direct Answer
Portable LP propane cylinders standardize capacities from 20-lb BBQ tanks (4.7 liquid gallons / 430,000 BTU) fitted with Type 1 QCC1 / OPD overfill valves, to 1-lb disposable camping cylinders and 100-lb residential cylinders filled to the 80% legal safety limit.
Source: DOT 4BA / NFPA 58 (Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code) · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026
Specs
| Governing Standards | DOT 4BA / NFPA 58 / CGA Standards |
| 1 lb Camp Cylinder (16.4 oz) | 0.24 liquid gal | 21,500 BTU | 1"-20 UNEF disposable connection |
| 20 lb BBQ Tank (Universal) | 4.7 liquid gal (17.8 L) | 430,000 BTU | Tare: ~17 lbs, Full: ~37 lbs | Dimensions: 17.8" H × 12.2" D |
| 30 lb RV Cylinder | 7.1 liquid gal (26.9 L) | 649,000 BTU | Tare: ~24 lbs, Full: ~54 lbs | Dimensions: 23.4" H × 12.2" D |
| 40 lb Commercial / Patio | 9.4 liquid gal (35.6 L) | 860,000 BTU | Tare: ~29 lbs, Full: ~69 lbs | Dimensions: 29.3" H × 12.2" D |
| 100 lb Residential Tank | 23.6 liquid gal (89.3 L) | 2,160,000 BTU | Tare: ~68 lbs, Full: ~168 lbs | POL valve |
| 80% Legal Fill Rule | Tanks filled to max 80% liquid volume to allow thermal expansion |
| OPD Valve Standard | Overfill Prevention Device (triangular valve handle) mandatory on 4–40 lb tanks |
Standard LP Propane Cylinder Specifications
| Cylinder Nominal Size | Liquid Gallons (at 80%) | Total BTU Capacity | Full Weight (lbs) | Height × Diameter | Valve Fitting Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 lb Disposable | 0.24 gal (0.9 L) | 21,500 BTU | 2.0 lbs (0.9 kg) | 7.9" × 3.9" | 1"-20 UNEF camping thread |
| 20 lb BBQ Tank | 4.7 gal (17.8 L) | 430,000 BTU | ~37 lbs (16.8 kg) | 17.8" × 12.2" | Type 1 QCC1 / ACME & OPD |
| 30 lb RV Tank | 7.1 gal (26.9 L) | 649,000 BTU | ~54 lbs (24.5 kg) | 23.4" × 12.2" | Type 1 QCC1 / OPD |
| 40 lb Patio Heater | 9.4 gal (35.6 L) | 860,000 BTU | ~69 lbs (31.3 kg) | 29.3" × 12.2" | Type 1 QCC1 / OPD |
| 100 lb Residential | 23.6 gal (89.3 L) | 2,160,000 BTU | ~168 lbs (76.2 kg) | 48.0" × 14.7" | POL (CGA 510) valve |