How Much Heating Oil Do I Need?

Not sure when to place your online oil order on PayLessForOil.com? We can tell you when to place your order based on your tank’s current gauge reading for the most common residential tank sizes we see in Western MA and North Central CT. If you have more questions regarding your tank gauge or delivery, please reach out to our experts.

Heating Oil Tank Reference Chart

These charts are based on 275- and 330-gallon tanks, two of the most common residential heating oil tank sizes.

• 275 Gallon Tank
• 330 Gallon Tank

GAUGE READS	APPROX. REMAINING FUEL	MAX REMAINING FUEL CAPACITY	ORDER NO MORE THAN
Full	260 Gallons	NONE	WE DO NOT RECOMMEND THAT YOU ORDER FUEL
7/8	235 Gallons	25 Gallons
3/4	200 Gallons	60 Gallons
5/8	160 Gallons	100 Gallons
1/2	130 Gallons	130 Gallons	125 Gallons
3/8	100 Gallons	160 Gallons	150 Gallons
1/4	70 Gallons	190 Gallons	175 Gallons
1/8	30 Gallons	230 Gallons	200 Gallons

GAUGE READS	APPROX. REMAINING FUEL	MAX REMAINING FUEL CAPACITY	ORDER NO MORE THAN
Full	300 Gallons	NONE	WE DO NOT RECOMMEND THAT YOU ORDER FUEL
7/8	260 Gallons	40 Gallons
3/4	225 Gallons	75 Gallons
5/8	190 Gallons	110 Gallons	100 Gallons
1/2	150 Gallons	150 Gallons	125 Gallons
3/8	115 Gallons	185 Gallons	175 Gallons
1/4	75 Gallons	225 Gallons	200 Gallons
1/8	40 Gallons	260 Gallons	250 Gallons

How to Read an Oil Tank Gauge

The heating oil gauge is usually on top of the tank. It’s a small, clear tube or window with a floating marker and numbers like F, 3/4, 1/2, and 1/4. The fraction that the floating marker is pointing to indicates your current oil level.

We always suggest checking your level regularly and scheduling a delivery when your tank gauge reads ¼ or lower to avoid the risk of an emergency runout.

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