How many BTU are in a kilowatt-hour?

One kilowatt-hour (kWh) equals approximately 3,412.14 BTU. This follows from 1 kWh = 3,600,000 joules and 1 BTU = 1,055.06 joules, so 3,600,000 ÷ 1,055.06 ≈ 3,412.14.

How do I convert kilowatt-hours to BTU?

Multiply the number of kilowatt-hours by 3,412.14. For example, 5 kWh × 3,412.14 = 17,060.7 BTU.

How do I convert BTU to kilowatt-hours?

Divide the number of BTU by 3,412.14. For example, 10,000 BTU ÷ 3,412.14 ≈ 2.931 kWh.

Why do HVAC specs use BTU instead of kWh?

BTU is the traditional unit for heat energy in the US. HVAC equipment ratings use BTU per hour (BTU/h) for cooling or heating capacity. To convert BTU/h to watts, divide by 3.412.

Is this conversion exact?

The factor 3,412.142 BTU/kWh is precise to six significant figures. It derives from the exact SI definition of joule and the thermochemical definition of BTU (1 BTU = 1,055.06 J).

A British Thermal Unit (BTU) is the amount of heat needed to raise one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. It is commonly used in the US for HVAC capacity, furnace output, and food energy labels in older standards.

Kilowatt Hours to BTU Converter

Name: Kilowatt Hours to BTU Converter
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Convert kilowatt-hours to BTU (or BTU to kWh) instantly — 1 kWh = 3,412.14 BTU.

Energy Converter

Value in kilowatt-hours (kWh)

BTU

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Scientific notation —

BTU = kWh × 3,412.142

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Quick Reference Table

kWh	BTU

BTU	kWh

1 kWh = 3,412.142 BTU • 1 BTU ≈ 0.000293 kWh • 1 kWh = 3,600,000 J • 1 BTU = 1,055.06 J

Practical Energy Context

Small window AC (1 hour)

1 kWh ≈ 3,412 BTU

Electric space heater (1 hour)

1.5 kWh ≈ 5,118 BTU

Central AC (1 hour)

3.5 kWh ≈ 11,942 BTU

Home daily usage

30 kWh ≈ 102,364 BTU

Summary