# Tons to kW Converter (Refrigeration)

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

> The tons to kW converter converts refrigeration tons into kilowatts of cooling, BTU per hour and the approximate electrical input for a given efficiency (kW/ton or COP).

## Inputs

- Capacity (refrigeration tons)
- Coefficient of performance (COP)

## Results

- Cooling capacity
- In BTU/h
- Electrical input
- Efficiency in kW/ton

## Formula

```
1 TR = 3.51685 kW_th,  electrical input = TR × (kW/ton) = cooling/COP
```

## Explanation

Chiller plants are sized in tons and their efficiency is quoted in kW per ton. Converting tells you both the cooling power and how much electricity the system draws.

### How to use the Tons to kW Converter

- **Capacity (refrigeration tons)**
- **Coefficient of performance (COP)**

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 tons and the efficiency as COP.

### Tips

- Use absolute temperature (K) in gas laws and efficiency formulas.
- Temperature differences are the same in K and °C.
- Heat = mass × specific heat × temperature change when no phase change occurs.
- Phase changes need latent heat at a constant temperature.

### Common mistakes to avoid

- Using °C in pV = nRT.
- Forgetting latent heat during melting or boiling.
- Confusing heat capacity (J/K) with specific heat (J/(kg·K)).

### Inputs explained

FieldWhat to enterCapacity (refrigeration tons)A numberCoefficient of performance (COP)A number

### What each result means

- **Cooling capacity** = [Capacity (refrigeration tons)]×3.51685284
- **In BTU/h** = [Capacity (refrigeration tons)]×12000
- **Electrical input** = [Capacity (refrigeration tons)]×3.51685284÷[Coefficient of performance (COP)]
- **Efficiency in kW/ton** = 3.51685284÷[Coefficient of performance (COP)]

### Example values

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

Capacity (refrigeration tons)Cooling capacity (kW)517.58437.526.37641035.168512.543.96071552.75282070.3371

## Worked example

Inputs — Capacity (refrigeration tons): 10; Coefficient of performance (COP): 3.5.

Results — **Cooling capacity = 35.16853 kW**; In BTU/h = 120,000 BTU/h; Electrical input = 10.04815 kW; Efficiency in kW/ton = 1.0048 kW/ton.

## Key terms

- **COP**: Cooling output divided by electrical input.

## FAQ

**How many kW is 1 ton?**
3.517 kW of cooling.

**What is a good chiller efficiency?**
Below about 0.6 kW/ton (COP above 5.9).

**How do COP and kW/ton relate?**
kW/ton = 3.517/COP.

**Is cooling kW the same as electrical kW?**
No – electrical input is cooling divided by COP.

**What formula does the Tons to kW Converter use?**
1 TR = 3.51685 kW_th,  electrical input = TR × (kW/ton) = cooling/COP.


## Sources

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