Winter Sale - Get $15 off any Smart Oil Gauge with code WINTER2024 - Shop Now

Home Heating Oil Tank Charts

Check Heating Oil Prices Near You

We have dealers in thousands of zip codes around the Northeastern United States! Enter your zip code below to check prices:

Fuel Oil Tank Level Calculator

Use our oil tank level calculator to quickly convert inches of oil to gallons, based on tank geometry.

=

This tank can fit about 250 gallons

*The height must be greater than or equal to the width

*The height must be less than or equal to the width

*The height must be greater than or equal to the diameter

*The length must be greater than or equal to the diameter

*The width must be less than or equal to the height and length

*The height must be less than or equal to the width and length

How To Measure Your Oil Level

a float gauge for manually measuring heating oil tanks

Many home heating oil tanks are equipped with a float gauge that will indicate roughly how full a tank is, but this is not a very accurate way to measure your oil level. Float gauges will give a general idea of how much oil you have (unless they have stopped working due to sludge buildup or other failure modes), but if you are trying to figure out how much heating oil you can fit in your tank or you don't have a float gauge at all, the most accurate way to manually measure your oil level is with a long, clean stick. You can even buy a stick with markings on it specifically for this purpose. Make sure it is long enough that it cannot drop into the tank!

To measure with a tank stick, you will need to remove a plug or cap from the top of the tank, and then lower the stick straight down into the hole until it touches the bottom of the tank. Then remove the stick, and measure how many inches of oil are shown on the stick. Next, use the calculator on this page or one of the fuel oil tank charts to determine how many gallons of oil are in the tank. This number will not be exact, but it should be pretty close.

If you are measuring your fuel oil tank because you want to know how much oil to order, keep in mind that the oil company will not fill any tank all the way to the top! They will always leave room in the tank for expansion. A good rule of thumb is that they will try to fill the tank to about 90% of the rated capacity, or roughly 250 gallons in a 275 gallon tank.

a smart oil gauge for digitally monitoring heating oil tanks

One more thing - If your tank is above ground and you are tired of using a stick to measure your oil level, check out the Smart Oil Gauge! This wireless tank level monitor will connect to your home's WiFi network and measure your tank level every hour. You can check the level from anywhere on your smart phone or computer, and even get low level alerts via email or text. And with FuelSnap, you can order home heating oil right from the Smart Oil mobile app! It has never been easier to manage your home heating oil.

275 Gallon Vertical Oil Tank Chart

The 275 gallon vertical oil tank is by far the most common tank used for home heating oil. This tank is usually filled to a maximum of about 250 gallons (about 6 inches from the top of the tank) to leave room for expansion.

a 275 gallon home heating oil tank stick chart for converting inches to gallons

330 Gallon Vertical Oil Tank Chart

The 330 gallon vertical steel tank is very similar to the 275, but is a foot longer. These tanks are generally filled to around 300 gallons.

a 330 gallon vertical home heating oil tank stick chart for converting inches to gallons

275 Gallon Horizontal (Flat) Oil Tank Chart

The 275 gallon horizontal (flat) tank is almost the same shape as its vertical counterpart, but it lays flat on its side for low-clearance installations. These are much less common than the vertical tanks but are still used relatively often in crawl spaces and under decks. These tanks are usually filled to about 250 gallons.

a 275 gallon horizontal home heating oil tank stick chart for converting inches to gallons

330 Gallon Horizontal (Flat) Oil Tank Chart

The 330 gallon horizontal (flat) steel tank is very similar to the 275 horizontal, but is a foot longer. These tanks are generally filled to around 300 gallons.

a 330 gallon horizontal fuel oil tank stick chart for converting inches to gallons

500 Gallon Cylinder Fuel Oil Tank Chart

The 500 gallon cylinder is usually filled to about 450 gallons.

a 500 gallon cylinder fuel oil tank stick chart for converting inches to gallons

550 Gallon Cylinder Heating Oil Tank Chart

The 550 gallon cylinder is usually filled to about 500 gallons.

a 550 gallon cylinder home heating oil tank stick chart for converting inches to gallons

1000 Gallon Cylinder Oil Tank Chart

The 1000 gallon cylinder is a common size for underground tanks. These tanks are usually filled to about 900 gallons.

a 1000 gallon cylinder underground home heating oil tank stick chart for converting inches to gallons

The charts above are incredibly helpful when it comes to tracking home heating fuel prices and scheduling home heating oil delivery. No matter what type of home you own, your fuel oil tank requires consistent attention and careful maintenance. Use these oil tank charts to better understand your maintenance requirements. Once you are used to reading your oil tank gauge and learn the trends of home heating oil prices, you can start getting even more value out of your heating oil tank and find the best local oil price each season.

Frequently Asked Questions & Helpful Resources

Shopping for heating oil online can be overwhelming at times. It’s essential to work with a reputable New England oil company to ensure your property has a reliable and affordable heating oil solution. If you’re looking for more information about ordering heating oil online, we’ve provided information below to help you get started. Whether you need a new oil tank or are interested in service and maintenance for your current heating oil system, start by checking out the following resources:


Q: How Much heating oil is in my tank?

A: If you want to see how much oil is in your tank at any given time, you should know how to read a heating oil tank gauge. Your oil tank gauge can also tell you the maximum capacity of your tank and help you determine when a refill is necessary.


Q: I’m looking for a new home heating oil tank – what should I get?

A: Whether you need a tank for a brand-new property or are replacing an existing one, you’ll need to know how to choose a new home heating oil tank. The best option for you will depend on several factors, including the size of your property, its location, and more.


Q: What are the signs of problems with my fuel tank?

A: As a homeowner, it’s essential to know how to inspect a home heating oil tank and what to look for when it comes to potentially dangerous issues. Your installation team will go over best practices, safety, and the potential warning signs of a problem with your heating oil equipment.


For more information about choosing a heating oil tank, reading your gauge, and more, contact FuelSnap today! In addition to connecting you with the best oil prices, we can also answer your questions and help you make better heating decisions.

Check Oil Prices

Smart Oil Gauge