BTU to kW Chart
Updated
BTU/hr to kW chart from 9,000 to 60,000, including watts, tons, horsepower, formula steps, and electrical-kW guidance.
Direct answer: 1 BTU/hr = 0.00029307107 kW.
Quick converter
Kilowatts (thermal)
12,000 BTU/hr = 3,516.85 W of thermal capacity. Updates as you type.
This BTU to kW chart covers common air-conditioner and heater sizes from 9,000 through 60,000 BTU/hr. Every kW value is calculated from the same physical relationship, so the chart translates U.S. HVAC labels into metric specifications. It also shows watts, tons, and mechanical horsepower so capacity can be checked from several angles.
Use kW = BTU/hr x 0.00029307107. For example, 30,000 BTU/hr x 0.00029307107 = 8.7921321 thermal kW, which is 8,792.13 W, 2.5 tons, and about 11.79 hp. A 12,000 BTU/hr AC with EER 11 draws about 1.09 electrical kW because EER = BTU/hr / watts, so watts = 12,000 / 11 = 1,090.9 W. Capacity and consumption should never be mixed in a utility estimate.
Worked example
- 1. Start
12,000 BTU/hr
- 2. Apply the formula
12,000 x 0.00029307107
- 3. Round the result
12,000 BTU/hr = 3.517 kW
Practical guidance
How to read the chart
Find the BTU/hr rating on the left and read across for watts, thermal kW, refrigeration tons and mechanical horsepower. All columns come from the same factor, 1 BTU/hr = 0.29307107 W, so the rows stay consistent with each other and with the converter.
Quick checks between rows
As a mental check, divide BTU/hr by about 3,412 to get kW. 18,000 BTU/hr is 5.275 kW, 48,000 BTU/hr is 14.067 kW and 60,000 BTU/hr is 17.584 kW. A 9,000 BTU/hr unit is 2.638 kW, exactly a quarter of a 36,000 unit.
Values between the rows
The conversion is linear, so any size between two rows is proportional. 15,000 BTU/hr, which is not listed, is 15,000 x 0.00029307107 = 4.396 kW, and 40,000 BTU/hr is 11.723 kW.
Heating equipment and efficiency
Furnace labels often show input, not output. An 80,000 BTU/hr input furnace at 80% AFUE delivers 64,000 BTU/hr of heat, which is 18.76 kW. Convert the output figure when comparing against a kW-rated heat pump or electric heater.
Thermal kW versus electrical kW
A 5.275 kW cooling capacity at an EER of 11 needs about 1,636 W of electrical input (18,000 / 11). Use the chart for capacity and the nameplate or EER for power draw, generator sizing and running cost.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using a furnace's input BTU/hr as if it were delivered heat
- Reading thermal kW as electrical consumption
- Confusing kW (power) with kWh (energy) when estimating cost
BTU to kW Chart chart
| BTU/hr | W | kW | Tons | HP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9,000 | 2,637.64 | 2.638 | 0.75 | 3.537 |
| 12,000 | 3,516.85 | 3.517 | 1 | 4.716 |
| 18,000 | 5,275.28 | 5.275 | 1.5 | 7.074 |
| 24,000 | 7,033.71 | 7.034 | 2 | 9.432 |
| 30,000 | 8,792.13 | 8.792 | 2.5 | 11.79 |
| 36,000 | 10,550.56 | 10.551 | 3 | 14.149 |
| 48,000 | 14,067.41 | 14.067 | 4 | 18.865 |
| 60,000 | 17,584.26 | 17.584 | 5 | 23.581 |
Common questions
What is the BTU/hr to kW factor?
Multiply by 0.00029307107, or divide by 3,412.142.
Does the chart show input power?
No. It shows thermal capacity. Electrical input requires EER, COP, or the equipment rating.
How do I read 36,000 BTU/hr?
It is 10.5506 thermal kW, 10,550.56 W, 3 tons, and about 14.15 hp.
Why do rounded sources differ?
Some sources use 3,412 or 3,412.142. This chart uses the precise factor and rounds display values.
Can I size an AC from the chart alone?
Use it as a reference; final sizing should use a room or building load calculation.
What is 24,000 BTU/hr in kW?
24,000 BTU/hr is 7.034 thermal kW, 7,033.7 W and 2 tons.
How do I convert kW to BTU/hr?
Multiply kW by 3,412.142. A 5 kW heater therefore produces about 17,061 BTU/hr.
What is 60,000 BTU/hr in kW?
60,000 BTU/hr is 17.584 kW, 5 tons and about 23.58 mechanical horsepower.
More size guides
Continue with the BTU to kW converter, compare BTU/hr to tons of refrigeration, or check the BTU to horsepower converter.