A food truck burns propane (and generator fuel) per service hour. Burn rate times hours gives consumption; times price gives the fuel cost to fold into event break-even.
The example
0.5 gph, 6 hours, $4/gal.
| A | B | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Item | Value |
| 2 | 0.5×6×4 | — |
| 3 | Propane cost | → $12 |
The formula
The formula:
How it works
How it works:
- Burn rate (gal/hr) comes from BTU rating ÷ ~91,500 BTU per gallon of propane.
- Multiply by service hours for gallons used, then by price for cost.
- Add generator fuel similarly for the full event energy cost.
- Fold fuel into the event fixed cost for an accurate break-even.
Fuel is a small per-event cost that’s easy to forget — until break-even is wrong. Propane and generator gas rarely break the bank, but leaving them out of the event fixed cost understates break-even covers and quietly erodes margin across a season. Estimate burn rate from your appliances’ BTU ratings, multiply by realistic service hours, and add it to the day’s fixed costs. Carry a spare tank — running dry mid-rush costs far more than the gas.
Try it: interactive demo
Burn rate (gph), service hours, price/gallon.
Variations
Gallons used
Rate × hours:
Burn rate from BTU
From rating:
Cost per service hour
Hourly fuel:
Pitfalls & errors
Include the generator. Add generator fuel to propane for total energy.
BTU to gallons. ~91,500 BTU per gallon of propane.
Fold into break-even. Fuel is part of event fixed cost.
Practice workbook
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate propane cost per event in Excel?
How do I find the burn rate?
Should fuel go in break-even?
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