How to convert kilowatts to BTU per hour
- Take the value in kilowatts.
- Use the formula BTU per hour = kilowatts × 3,412.141633.
- For example, 1 kW is 3,412.14 BTU/h.
About kilowatts and BTU per hour
One kilowatt is 3,412.14 BTU/h, so multiply kW by 3,412 to get BTU per hour. For a rough figure multiply by 3,400, which is less than 0.5% low. 3.5 kW is 11,942 BTU/h, just under the 12,000 BTU/h of one cooling ton.
Heat pumps, split air conditioners and boilers sold in Europe, Australia and Asia are rated in kW, while US units and many online sizing guides use BTU/h. This conversion lets you compare the two or follow a guide written for the other market.
Examples
- 1 kW (one kilowatt) is 3,412.14 BTU/h
- 3.5 kW (a 3.5 kW split air conditioner) is 11,942.5 BTU/h
- 7 kW (a 7 kW heat pump) is 23,884.99 BTU/h
- 24 kW (a 24 kW combi boiler) is 81,891.4 BTU/h
Kilowatts to BTU per hour chart
| Kilowatts (kW) | BTU per hour (BTU/h) |
|---|---|
| 0.5 | 1,706.07 |
| 1 | 3,412.14 |
| 1.5 | 5,118.21 |
| 2 | 6,824.28 |
| 2.5 | 8,530.35 |
| 3 | 10,236.42 |
| 3.5 | 11,942.5 |
| 4 | 13,648.57 |
| 5 | 17,060.71 |
| 6 | 20,472.85 |
| 7 | 23,884.99 |
| 8 | 27,297.13 |
| 9 | 30,709.27 |
| Kilowatts (kW) | BTU per hour (BTU/h) |
|---|---|
| 10 | 34,121.42 |
| 12 | 40,945.7 |
| 15 | 51,182.12 |
| 18 | 61,418.55 |
| 20 | 68,242.83 |
| 24 | 81,891.4 |
| 25 | 85,303.54 |
| 28 | 95,539.97 |
| 30 | 102,364.25 |
| 35 | 119,424.96 |
| 40 | 136,485.67 |
| 50 | 170,607.08 |