Fuel Storage Calculator
Estimate how much fuel you can store based on your container size and count, and see how many days of generator runtime that covers.
Planning a generator setup? Pair this with the Generator Runtime Calculator or the Generator Size Calculator to size your whole backup power plan.
Calculate fuel storage
Enter your container size and how many containers you have. The calculator estimates total fuel and generator runtime.
80 gallons
4 containers × 20 gal
Your fuel, visualized
Quick tips
- Gasoline: 3–6 months without stabilizer, 12–24 months with stabilizer added at purchase.
- Diesel: 12+ months with biocide treatment; prone to microbial growth in humid conditions.
- Propane: stores indefinitely in approved cylinders when not leaking.
- Safety: store in approved, clearly labeled containers, away from living spaces and ignition sources.
Practical note
Fuel storage is regulated by local fire codes. Most jurisdictions limit gasoline to 25 gallons in a residential garage and require approved containers (red for gasoline, yellow for diesel, blue for kerosene). Check your local fire marshal's rules before stockpiling larger quantities, and rotate gasoline through your vehicle to avoid stale-fuel waste.
How much fuel should you store?
Fuel storage depends on how long you want to be self-sufficient and what equipment you run.
- Short outages: 20–40 gallons
- Multi-day outages: 40–100+ gallons
- Whole-home generator: 100+ gallons recommended
Storage tips
- Approved containers only: use UL-listed cans rated for fuel type.
- Rotate regularly: cycle through your vehicle every 6 months.
- Add stabilizer: at purchase, not later, for long-term storage.
- Ventilation: store in cool, ventilated areas away from ignition sources.
FAQ
How long does fuel last in storage?
Gasoline lasts 3–6 months untreated, up to 1–2 years with stabilizer.
Is diesel better for storage?
Diesel stores longer but can grow bacteria if untreated.
How much fuel should I store for my household?
For a gasoline-powered generator running 8 to 12 hours per day during an outage, figure 2 to 3 gallons of gasoline per day. A 72-hour preparedness buffer is 6 to 10 gallons per generator. For a diesel truck used for transportation plus a backup generator, 20 to 40 gallons of diesel covers an extended event. Fuel for heating (kerosene, heating oil) scales to about 1 gallon per day per 1,000 sq ft in cold weather.
Is it safe to store gasoline at home?
Yes, within limits. Most US fire codes allow up to 25 gallons of gasoline in approved containers at a residence, stored in a garage or detached shed away from ignition sources, living areas, and HVAC intakes. Use UL-listed metal or plastic cans rated for gasoline. Never store fuel indoors, near a water heater, or in a space that reaches over 100 °F. Check your local fire marshal's limits before stockpiling larger quantities.
Do I need a fuel stabilizer for stored gasoline?
For anything stored over 30 days, yes. Stabilizers like Sta-Bil or Pri-G slow the oxidation and gum formation that make old gasoline unreliable in small engines. Treated gasoline stays usable for 12 to 24 months versus 3 to 6 months untreated. For diesel, use a biocide to prevent microbial growth. Rotate anyway, even treated fuel eventually degrades, and fresh fuel always performs better.