A finite element numerical model was set up to calculate the secondary distribution of potential and current density at the surface of a buried tank. The steel gas tank of interest was protected by both coating and two sacrificial anodes (magnesium alloy or zinc). The dispersion of actual soil properties was taken into account by use of three typical soils. The comparison of two dimensional and three-dimensional models shows that the 2D model is obviously both convenient and time saving. The numerical model allows the calculation of the cathodic protection current and of the local potential in every point of the tank. The model intends to compare the relative influence of coating quality, electric conductivity of soil and position, size and type of the sacrificial anodes (magnesium or zinc). Soil conductivity and coating porosity appear as the two most influential parameters. This model justifies the interest of the tank experimental potential and current measurements.