kW to BTU Calculator: engineer's guide
HVAC equipment is rated in kW, BTU/h, or TR depending on region. This calculator converts between all three cleanly.
Open the kW to BTU calculator →
What this calculator does
The calculator applies the fixed conversion factors between kW, BTU/h, and TR and reports the result in every unit.
Formulas used
- kW to BTU/h:
1 kW = 3412 BTU/h - kW to TR:
1 TR = 3.517 kW = 12,000 BTU/h - TR to kW:
kW = TR × 3.517
Variables
- kW = cooling or heating capacity in kilowatts
- BTU/h = British Thermal Units per hour
- TR = tons of refrigeration
Worked example
Scenario: A chiller rated 500 kW cooling capacity.
- BTU/h = 500 × 3412 = 1,706,000
- TR = 500 / 3.517 ≈ 142 TR
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using 3410 instead of 3412 BTU/h per kW (small error at large capacity)
- Confusing tons of refrigeration (12,000 BTU/h) with metric tons of mass
- Mixing electric input kW and cooling kW — efficiency (COP or EER) links them
Frequently asked questions
Is 1 kW = 1 kW cooling and 1 kW electric?
Only when COP = 1. Real chillers have COP 3 to 6, so 1 kW electric produces 3 to 6 kW cooling.
Which unit is standard in the GCC?
TR for chillers, kW for AHU and FCU, BTU/h for split units.
Standards and references
ISO 5151 (unitary), ARI 550/590 (chillers)
Related tools on this site
Open the calculator that pairs with this guide: kW to BTU Calculator.
Verification note
This guide is planning support only. Final design must be verified against the applicable project specification, authority requirements, manufacturer data, and the standards cited above. Consult a licensed engineer for construction-issue calculations.