What is the BTU/h to kW conversion factor?

1 BTU/hour equals exactly 0.00029307107 kilowatts (kW). Equivalently, 1 kW = 3,412.14 BTU/h. The factor derives from 1 BTU = 1,055.06 joules, divided by 3,600 seconds per hour, then divided by 1,000 to get kW.

How many kW is a 12,000 BTU air conditioner?

A 12,000 BTU/h air conditioner provides approximately 3.516 kW of thermal cooling capacity (commonly called a "1-ton" unit, where 1 ton of refrigeration = 12,000 BTU/h = 3.517 kW). Note that thermal capacity is not electrical power draw: heat pumps and ACs move heat with a coefficient of performance (COP) typically around 3 to 4, so actual electrical consumption is much lower (typically 0.9 to 1.2 kW).

Is BTU/h the same as BTU?

No. BTU (British Thermal Unit) is a unit of energy; BTU/hour is a unit of power (energy per unit time). HVAC equipment ratings are always BTU/hour, even when labeled simply as "BTU."

How do I convert kW back to BTU/h?

Multiply kilowatts by 3,412.14. For example, 5 kW × 3,412.14 = 17,061 BTU/h. This converter goes BTU/h → kW; use the kilowatt-to-BTU/h tool for the reverse.

Why is BTU/h still common in HVAC while most countries use kW?

BTU/h is the traditional power unit in the US and Canada for heating and cooling. Most of the rest of the world rates HVAC equipment in kW. Both measure power; the BTU/h value is simply about 3,412 times the kW value.

BTU per Hour to Kilowatts Converter

Enter a BTU/hour value to instantly get the equivalent power in kilowatts.

BTU/hour to Kilowatts

BTU per hour (BTU/h)

Conversion formula

kW = BTU/h × 0.00029307107

Inverse: BTU/h = kW × 3,412.14

Thermal vs. electrical: For heat pumps and ACs, this converts thermal capacity (kW_th). Actual electrical power draw depends on unit efficiency (COP/SEER) and is significantly lower.

Common BTU/h Ratings

BTU/h	kW	Watts	Typical use

Summary

Enter a BTU/hour value to instantly get the equivalent power in kilowatts.

How it works

Enter a BTU/hour value in the input field.
The converter applies the exact factor: 1 BTU/h = 0.00029307107 kW.
The result appears instantly in kilowatts alongside watts and tons of refrigeration.
Browse the reference table for common HVAC equipment ratings.
Copy any result or the full table with one click.

Use cases

Compare heating or cooling equipment specs between BTU/h and kW datasheets.
Calculate room heat gain and cooling load requirements in metric kilowatts.
Evaluate heat pump and chiller thermal capacity ratings across engineering systems.
Translate US BTU/h ratings to metric kW for international specifications.
Convert boiler and furnace heat output ratings between imperial and metric units.
Verify imported appliance thermal output ratings listed in BTU/h against local kW standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-09-19 · Reviewed by Nham Vu