# BTU to Tons Converter

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/physics/btu-to-tons-converter/
Last updated: 2026-10-30

> The BTU to tons converter converts cooling capacity between BTU per hour, refrigeration tons and kilowatts.

## Inputs

- Cooling capacity (BTU/h, TR (tons), kW, W)

## Results

- BTU per hour
- Refrigeration tons
- Kilowatts

## Formula

```
1 ton of refrigeration = 12,000 BTU/h = 3.51685 kW
```

## Explanation

Air conditioners are rated in BTU/h or "tons". The ton comes from the cooling provided by melting one short ton of ice in 24 hours. A typical home central AC is 2–5 tons.

### How to use the BTU to Tons Converter

- **Cooling capacity**

Results update as you type, every field has its own unit menu, and everything is calculated in your browser.

### How it works

Enter the capacity in any unit.

### What each result means

- **BTU per hour** = [Cooling capacity]÷0.29307107017
- **Refrigeration tons** = [Cooling capacity]÷3516.85284
- **Kilowatts** = [Cooling capacity]÷1000

### Example values

How the main result changes when **Cooling capacity** changes and everything else stays at the example values above:

Cooling capacity (BTU/h)Refrigeration tons (TR)12,000118,0001.524,000230,0002.536,000348,0004

## Worked example

Inputs — Cooling capacity: 24,000 BTU/h.

Results — BTU per hour = 24,000 BTU/h; **Refrigeration tons = 2 TR**; Kilowatts = 7.0337 kW.

## Key terms

- **Refrigeration ton**: 12,000 BTU/h of cooling.

## FAQ

**How many BTU/h is one ton?**
12,000 BTU/h.

**Where does the ton come from?**
Melting one short ton of ice in 24 hours.

**How many tons for a 2,000 ft² house?**
Roughly 3–4 tons, depending on climate and insulation.

**How many kW is a ton?**
3.517 kW of cooling.


## Sources

- [The Engineering ToolBox](https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/)
- [NIST – Fundamental physical constants](https://physics.nist.gov/cuu/Constants/)