How to Convert BTU/h to Tons of Refrigeration
One ton of refrigeration equals 12,000 BTU per hour. Divide the cooling capacity in BTU/h by 12,000:
Refrigeration Tons=12,000Cooling Capacity (BTU/h)
Unlike an airflow-based estimate, this is a defined unit conversion. These factors use the International Table BTU convention. NIST conversion reference
How to Convert BTU/h to Watts
One BTU per hour is approximately 0.293071 watts.
Thermal Power (W)=Capacity (BTU/h)×0.293071
For an air conditioner, this expresses the rate of heat removal in watts. It does not tell you how much electricity the equipment uses.
How to Use the BTU to Tons Calculator
- Find the capacity rating: Look for the equipment’s cooling capacity in BTU/h.
- Enter the value: For example, enter 24000 for a 24,000 BTU/h rating.
- Review the results: The calculator displays the equivalent refrigeration tons and thermal watts.
Do not enter a total energy quantity in BTU without first expressing it as a rate per hour.
Example Calculations
Example 1: Convert 24,000 BTU/h to Tons
Refrigeration Tons=12,00024,000=2
A cooling capacity of 24,000 BTU/h equals 2 refrigeration tons.
Example 2: Convert 24,000 BTU/h to Watts
Thermal Power=24,000×0.293071
Thermal Power≈7,033.70 W
The same capacity is approximately 7.034 kW of cooling. This does not mean the air conditioner consumes 7.034 kW of electricity.
Why Use This Calculator?
- Compare capacity ratings expressed in different units.
- Convert a known BTU/h rating into refrigeration tons.
- Express heating or cooling output in thermal watts.
The calculator converts a supplied capacity value. It does not determine the heating or cooling capacity your building needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between BTU and BTU/h?
A BTU measures heat energy. BTU/h measures how quickly that energy is transferred. Refrigeration tons and watts also measure a rate of energy transfer, which is why this calculator requires BTU/h.
2. Does “tons” refer to the equipment’s weight?
No. A refrigeration ton measures cooling capacity, not physical weight. It is different from a metric tonne or a US short ton used for mass.
3. Does the watt result show electricity usage?
No. It shows thermal capacity. Electrical consumption depends on the equipment’s efficiency and operating conditions. Check the electrical input rating or measured power consumption for that information.
4. How do I express the watt result in kilowatts?
Divide watts by 1,000. For example, 7,033.70 W is approximately 7.034 kW. The result remains thermal power, not automatically electrical input.
5. Can I use this calculator for heating equipment?
The BTU/h-to-watts conversion also applies to heating output. Refrigeration tons are mainly used for cooling capacity. For fuel-fired equipment, check whether the entered BTU/h rating describes fuel input or useful heat output; the conversion alone does not account for efficiency.
6. Can this calculator tell me what size air conditioner to buy?
No. It converts an existing capacity rating. Equipment selection requires a separate cooling-load assessment that considers the space, climate, insulation, windows, occupancy, and other heat sources.
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