Gas cylinders are essential to a wide range of industries — from pharmaceuticals and petrochemicals to electronics, healthcare, and food processing. Whether they hold propane, CO₂, ammonia, or specialty gases, managing these cylinders safely and efficiently starts with knowing exactly how much material is inside.
The most accurate and practical way to determine that? Weighing.
In this guide, we’ll walk through how to weigh a gas cylinder correctly, explain key terms like gross weight, tare weight, and net weight, and show you how weighing supports better safety, flow control, and compliance in industrial environments.
You’ll also learn why Arlyn’s industrial-grade cylinder scales are trusted by companies around the world — including options for corrosive materials, hazardous environments, and ultra-precise flow monitoring.
Calculating Gross Weight
The weight of the empty gas cylinder, plus the weight of the contents, is known as the total weight, or gross weight. The weight of just the contents, that is the liquified gas itself, is known as the net weight. Subtracting the net weight from the gross weight will provide the cylinder weight, which is the weight of just the empty cylinder, also known as the tare weight.
Full Gas Cylinder Weight
To determine how much a tank weighs, it can be weighed on a Cylinder Scale. The capacity of the scale will be determined by the maximum filled weight of the cylinder. The size of the scale platform will be dependent on the size of the cylinders being weighed.
Full weights of the most common cylinders are about 245 lb. Some heavier units range up to 315 lb. A popular propane tank, or lpg cylinder, can be 14.2 kg.
There are also a variety of cylinder diameters in common use, the most popular being abou 9”, as noted above. Other larger sizes include 12” and 14”. Even larger cylinders would usually be weighed on a platform scale instead of a cylinder scale.
Tare Weight
The most important parameter to know is the amount of contents in the cylinder. This, of course, will determine how long a process can run before the cylinder needs to be replaced. In automatic operation, it can also determine the flow rate of the gas being used.
Tare weights of cylinders are often marked directly on the body or neck of the cylinder itself. This is very useful for determining the remaining weight in the cylinder. When the cylinder is weighed, and the target weight is subtracted, the result will be the weight of the material still in the cylinder.
Gas Weight And Density
Although it is useful to know the weight of the liquified gas in the cylinder, the user really wants to know how much gas is left. This is dependent on the density of the liquified gas. The higher the density, the more end product still remains.
For example, the density of water is 997 kg per cubic meter. But the density of liquid oxygen is 1140 kg per cubic meter. Similarly, the density of liquified natural gas is only about 450 kg per cubic meter, being much less dense than water.
Why Weighing Gas Cylinders Is Important
Knowing the contents of a cylinder is helpful for many reasons. The water capacity of a tank will determine the maximum amounts. But you may need to know the pounds of propane in a particular tank.
Improves Regulation Of Flow Rates
Flow rate is the amount of material used for a specific amount of time. For example, it could be 100 grams per minute, or 10 kg per hour. Valves are often used to adjust this flow rate.
Arlyn’s scales can calculate the flow rate by continuously monitoring the weight. It calculates the change in weight on a regular basis. The user can choose the units of weight and time that are most suitable.
Often, very small changes of weight need to be determined. Arlyn’s ultra precision scales are ideal for that purpose because they can weigh amounts that are ten to twenty times smaller than regular scales. This allows the flow rate to be calculated in a much shorter amount of time.
Prevents Overfilling Cylinders
Gas cylinders are rated for a specific pressure and amount of material. Exceeding these ratings can cause dangerous conditions. Scales should be used to ensure that there is not too much material in the cylinder during the filling process.
Reduces Damage From Interrupted Gas Flow Rate
Certain industrial processes require continuous flow of gas. If the tank runs out, and the gas flow is interrupted, an entire batch can be ruined. Monitoring the weight of the tank will prevent this.
Uses For Gas Cylinders
There are as many different uses for these cylinders as there are different industries.
Propane Tanks
This is one of the most popular types of cylinders. It is used domestically for operating heating appliances. It is used industrially for numerous purposes.
Medical Equipment
Medical environments can require various gases, such as oxygen, nitrous oxide and liquid nitrogen. Stainless steel scales are ideal for this. Remote monitoring software can track the usage.
Storage Of Hazardous Gases
Some gases may be flammable or explosive. The storage areas used for these cylinders may fall under certain classified hazardous conditions. Only intrinsically safe scales should be used for weighing these tanks.
Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) Cylinders
Small LPG cylinders are used internationally for cooking gas. Larger tanks operate different types of industrial processes. They are available from many different suppliers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Weighing Gas Cylinders
How do you calculate the weight of a gas cylinder?
What is tare weight on a gas cylinder?
Can a gas cylinder be overfilled?
How can I monitor gas usage more accurately?
What type of scale do I need for hazardous gases?
Ready to Weigh Gas Cylinders the Right Way?
Whether you’re filling tanks, monitoring flow rates, or preventing downtime in critical processes, Arlyn’s industrial cylinder scales give you the tools to do it accurately and safely.
- Models for corrosive, flammable, or high-precision environments
- Capacities up to hundreds of pounds
- Stainless steel and intrinsically safe options available
- Trusted by labs, manufacturers, and field teams worldwide
Not sure which scale is right? Contact us for a recommendation.
