Bali Outdoors® BTU Calculator for Outdoor Heating
Select Your Fuel Type
Propane (LP Gas)
Clean burning, portable fuel
Energy Content (EIA):
91,452 BTU/gallon
Wood (Firewood)
Traditional, natural ambiance
Energy Content (EIA):
20,000,000 BTU/cord
📊 Data Source: Energy content values from U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) - Official energy conversion factors.
Outdoor Space Dimensions
feet
feet
💡 Tip: Measure the entire patio/deck area where you want heat coverage, not just the seating area.
Climate Conditions
°F
°F
🌡️ Climate Guide:
- • Mild: ΔT < 15°F (Spring/Fall evenings, 65-80°F outdoor)
- • Cool: ΔT 15-25°F (Early winter, coastal areas, 50-65°F outdoor)
- • Cold: ΔT 25-40°F (Winter evenings, 35-50°F outdoor)
- • Very Cold: ΔT > 40°F (Mountain/northern climates, <35°F outdoor)
Outdoor Environment Factors
Recommended BTU Output
0
BTU / Hour
Coverage Area:
0 ft²
Temperature Rise:
0°F
Climate Zone:
Moderate
Environment Factor:
1.3x
Fuel Consumption
Recommended BTU Range
60,000 - 90,000 BTU range
Bali Outdoors® Heating BTU Calculator FAQ
Q1: What is BTU and why does this calculator use it?
BTU (British Thermal Unit) is the standard measure of heat energy. This calculator uses it to determine exactly how much heat output your outdoor heater needs to overcome the cold air in your specific space dimensions.
Q2: How should I measure my "Length" and "Width" for the calculator?
Enter the dimensions of the entire area you want to keep warm, not just the size of the equipment itself. For example, if you have a large patio but only want to heat a specific seating zone around a fire table, input the dimensions of that specific zone.
Q3: What should I enter for "Desired Comfort" vs. "Typical Outdoor" temperatures?
Typical Outdoor Temperature: Enter the average temperature of the coldest evenings you plan to use your outdoor space (e.g., 50°F).
Desired Comfort Temperature: Enter how warm you want to feel (usually around 70°F). The calculator uses the difference between these two numbers to determine how hard the heating unit needs to work.
Desired Comfort Temperature: Enter how warm you want to feel (usually around 70°F). The calculator uses the difference between these two numbers to determine how hard the heating unit needs to work.
Q4: Why does selecting "Propane" or "Wood" change the results?
While the required heat (BTU) remains the same, the fuel consumption metrics change. If you select Propane, the tool calculates runtime for a gas-powered fire table or pit. If you select Wood, it estimates the logs needed for a wood-burning fire feature.
Q5: How is the "20 lb Tank Runtime" calculated for propane units?
This result estimates how long a standard 20 lb (approx. 4.7 gallon) propane tank will last if you run your heating equipment at the recommended BTU output. For example, if the tool recommends 50,000 BTU, it calculates how quickly that specific output drains the tank.
Q6: What does the "Firewood Pieces/hr" estimate mean?
This is a helpful guide for stocking fuel for wood-burning heating units. It estimates the number of average-sized logs you need to add every hour to generate the recommended heat, helping you prepare enough wood for your gathering.
Q7: The calculator recommends a specific BTU number. Is this a minimum requirement?
Think of this as the ideal target for maximum comfort on your coldest planned nights. If you buy a heater with a slightly lower BTU rating, it will still work well on milder nights, though you may need to sit closer to the heat source when temperatures drop.
Q8: How does the BTU result relate to the number of people I can host?
The calculator provides a "Recommended BTU Range" that correlates heat output to crowd size. Generally, 30,000–40,000 BTU covers a small intimate group (2-4 people), while 110,000+ BTU is required for a heating solution that effectively warms a large party (12+ people).