kW to BTU/hr Converter
The kW to BTU/hr Converter uses the standard relationship of 1 kW = 3,412.14 BTU/hr. Multiply thermal capacity in kilowatts by 3,412.14 to estimate the equivalent heating or cooling output.
Type in either field. The other one updates as you type.
Keep HVAC Projects and Business Operations Connected
Manage equipment records, quotations, materials, and project documents in DuctArchitect. Keep essential job information organized and accessible to your team.
Item Catalog: Keep equipment details and stock records organized.
Professional Quotations: Prepare clear quotes with controlled pricing.
BOQ & BOM: Track project quantities and material requirements.
Project Files & Activity: Keep project documents and updates in one place.
Get 14 days of full access with no credit card required.
kW to BTU/hr formula
BTU/hr = kW × 3,412.1416
kW = BTU/hr ÷ 3,412.1416
The factor is 3,412.1416 BTU/hr for each 1 kW. Going the other way, 1 BTU/hr is 0.00029307107 kW.
kW to BTU/hr reference table
| kW | BTU/hr |
|---|---|
| 1 | 3,412.14 |
| 2 | 6,824.28 |
| 2.5 | 8,530.35 |
| 3.5 | 11,942.5 |
| 5 | 17,060.7 |
| 7 | 23,885 |
| 10 | 34,121.4 |
| 20 | 68,242.8 |
| 50 | 170,607 |
| 100 | 341,214 |
Where this conversion is used
Cooling and heating capacity is listed in kW in metric catalogues and in BTU/hr on many split units, heaters and US submittals. Use this conversion to compare the two. Here kW means thermal capacity (heat moved), not the electrical input power shown on the nameplate. The page uses the International Table BTU.
Worked example
A wall mounted split unit is listed with 7 kW of cooling capacity and you need its rating in BTU/hr to compare it with other quotes.
7 kW × 3,412.1416 = 23,885 BTU/hr
The unit is rated at about 23,880 BTU/hr.
Common mistakes
- Converting the electrical input kW from the nameplate and calling it capacity. Convert the rated cooling or heating capacity instead.
- Mixing a rate with a quantity. kW and BTU/hr are rates. kWh and BTU are quantities of energy. The same factor links both pairs, but a rate cannot be converted into a quantity.
- Rounding the factor to 3,400 on large loads, which understates the BTU/hr result slightly.
Related HVAC Tools & Resources
Frequently asked questions
How can I convert a cooling-capacity rating in kW to BTU/hr and apply it?
Multiply the thermal cooling capacity in kW by 3,412.14 to get BTU/hr. A cooling kW to BTU converter helps when equipment schedules and supplier sheets use different units. For example, 3 kW is approximately 10,236 BTU/hr.
Does an AC nameplate show cooling capacity or electrical power use?
No, not always. A nameplate can list these as separate ratings. For split AC kW to BTU/hr conversion, use the labelled cooling-capacity figure, not electrical input power. Treating input power as cooling output gives a misleading comparison.
How does converting a kW heating or cooling rating to BTU/hr differ from converting kWh to BTU?
kW measures a rate of energy transfer, while kWh measures energy over time. Convert a thermal kW value to BTU/hr, but convert a kWh value to BTU. Although the numerical conversion factors are similar, the units represent different quantities.
What does a kW to BTU/hr Converter tell HVAC teams about capacity?
It converts a known thermal power rating from kW to BTU/hr using a fixed conversion factor of 3,412.14. A 5 kW thermal capacity equals approximately 17,061 BTU/hr. The calculation does not determine a building's heating or cooling load or confirm whether a particular model is suitable.
When is a kilowatts to BTU per hour calculator useful on an HVAC job?
It helps compare the same stated thermal output when project schedules, supplier sheets, or customer requirements use different units. For reference, 1 ton of refrigeration equals 12,000 BTU/hr, or approximately 3.517 kW.
How should I calculate thermal output and round the BTU/hr result?
To convert thermal kW to BTU hr, multiply the stated kilowatts by 3,412.14. Keep the calculation unrounded until the final display, then follow the precision required by the equipment schedule. Use one consistent definition when comparing International Table BTU and thermal kW values. A BTU/hr to kW formula sheet should show the reverse operation: divide by 3,412.14.
When should an HVAC kW to BTU capacity calculator be used for equipment selection?
Use it to compare capacity ratings already supplied by a manufacturer, not as a substitute for load calculations. If a catalogue lists MBH, remember that 1 MBH equals 1,000 BTU/hr. An MBH to kW unit converter can help compare the stated thermal output.
Can the same conversion be used for heat pumps and VRF systems?
Yes, the same fixed factor applies when the kW value represents thermal cooling capacity. For heat pump cooling capacity kW to BTU, multiply by 3,412.14. A VRF system kW to BTU calculator uses the same formula, but design loads and manufacturer performance data still guide equipment selection. A TR to kW cooling converter can also help compare tonnage with a thermal kW rating.
How do I compare kW ratings across metric HVAC product catalogues?
A metric HVAC catalogue unit converter helps compare thermal capacity listed in kW with BTU/hr or refrigeration-ton figures. Confirm whether the value means electrical input or thermal output, especially when checking electrical kW vs thermal kW HVAC specifications.
How should a chiller's thermal capacity be compared with BTU/hr and efficiency ratings?
Multiply the chiller's rated thermal capacity by 3,412.14 to obtain BTU/hr. Converting chiller capacity is a different calculation from converting COP or EER efficiency ratios. Check the capacity units and efficiency ratings separately against the manufacturer's specifications.