How to convert tons to BTU/hr
HVAC Cooling Capacity Converter
Convert between refrigeration tons, BTU/hr, and kilowatts
Cooling Capacity Conversion
1 ton = 12,000 BTU/hr
British Thermal Unit per hour
1 kW = 3,412.14 BTU/hr
1 MBTU = 1,000 BTU
Conversion Results
Refrigeration Tons:
-
BTU/hour:
-
Kilowatts:
-
MBTU/hour:
-
Conversion Reference:
- 1 Refrigeration Ton (RT) = 12,000 BTU/hr
- 1 RT = 3.517 kW (cooling capacity)
- 1 kW = 3,412.14 BTU/hr
- 1 MBTU = 1,000 BTU
Typical Cooling Capacities
Window AC
0.5 - 2 tons
6,000 - 24,000 BTU/hr
6,000 - 24,000 BTU/hr
Split System
1 - 5 tons
12,000 - 60,000 BTU/hr
12,000 - 60,000 BTU/hr
Rooftop
3 - 20 tons
36,000 - 240,000 BTU/hr
36,000 - 240,000 BTU/hr
Chiller
15 - 1000+ tons
180,000 - 12,000,000+ BTU/hr
180,000 - 12,000,000+ BTU/hr
These ranges represent common capacities for each type of system.
Note: All calculations are based on standard HVAC industry conversion factors.
One refrigeration ton is equal to 12000 BTUs per hour:
1 RT = 12000 BTU/hr
One BTU per hour is equal to 8.33333×10-5 refrigeration ton:
1 BTU/hr = 8.33333×10-5 RT
So the power P in BTUs per hour (BTU/hr) is equal to 12000 times the power P in refrigeration tons (RT):
P(BTU/hr) = 12000 × P(RT)
Example
Convert 2 RT to BTU/hr:
P(BTU/hr) = 12000 × 2 RT = 24000 BTU/hr
Tons to BTU/hr conversion table
Power (tons) | Power (BTU/hr) |
---|---|
0.1 RT | 1200 BTU/hr |
0.2 RT | 2400 BTU/hr |
0.3 RT | 3600 BTU/hr |
0.4 RT | 4800 BTU/hr |
0.5 RT | 6000 BTU/hr |
0.6 RT | 7200 BTU/hr |
0.7 RT | 8400 BTU/hr |
0.8 RT | 9600 BTU/hr |
0.9 RT | 10800 BTU/hr |
1 RT | 12000 BTU/hr |
2 RT | 24000 BTU/hr |
3 RT | 36000 BTU/hr |
4 RT | 48000 BTU/hr |
5 RT | 60000 BTU/hr |