Propane Generator Cost Calculator
Calculate operating costs and runtime for dual-fuel and dedicated propane generators across 20 lb BBQ tanks, 100 lb cylinders, and residential bulk tanks.
Propane Tank Size & Consumption
Propane Generator Consumption Model
Burn Rate (Gal/hr) = Generator kW Load × 0.17 Gal/hr/kW | Total Cost = Burn Rate × Hours × Propane Price- Specific Fuel Consumption: Typical portable propane generators consume approx 0.16 to 0.18 gallons of liquid propane per hour per kilowatt of electrical load.
- Tank Capacities: 20 lb BBQ tank = 4.7 gal; 100 lb cylinder = 23.6 gal; 250 gal tank (80% fill) = 200 gal; 500 gal tank = 400 gal.
- Cost per Hour: Product of hourly gallon burn rate and local delivered propane price.
Step-by-Step Worked Example
Calculation Steps:
How to Use This Calculator
Assumptions & Limitations
- Liquid propane density is 4.24 lbs per US gallon.
- Burn rates assume properly tuned carburetors with standard demand regulators.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does a generator produce slightly less power on propane than gasoline?
Liquid propane has lower energy density per unit volume than gasoline (91,500 vs 114,000 BTU/gal). Dual-fuel generators typically produce 5% to 10% fewer peak and continuous watts when running on propane compared to gasoline.
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