TR to BTU/hr Converter
Use this TR to BTU/hr Converter to convert cooling capacity between tons of refrigeration (TR) and British thermal units per hour (BTU/hr). Enter either value for an instant result with a free HVAC conversion calculator.
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TR to BTU/hr formula
BTU/hr = TR × 12,000
TR = BTU/hr ÷ 12,000
The factor is 12,000 BTU/hr for each 1 TR. Going the other way, 1 BTU/hr is 0.000083333333 TR.
TR to BTU/hr reference table
| TR | BTU/hr |
|---|---|
| 1 | 12,000 |
| 1.5 | 18,000 |
| 2 | 24,000 |
| 3 | 36,000 |
| 5 | 60,000 |
| 7.5 | 90,000 |
| 10 | 120,000 |
| 25 | 300,000 |
| 50 | 600,000 |
| 100 | 1,200,000 |
Where this conversion is used
Split and window air conditioners are often labelled in BTU/hr, while project heat loads in India and the Gulf are usually stated in TR. The word ton is used for the same unit. This page uses the US refrigeration ton. Use the conversion when you match a room load in TR with a unit rated in BTU/hr, or when you read a load calculation report prepared in US units.
Worked example
A bedroom heat load works out to 1.5 TR and the split units on offer are labelled in BTU/hr.
1.5 TR × 12,000 = 18,000 BTU/hr
Choose a unit rated at about 18,000 BTU/hr.
Common mistakes
- Confusing a ton of refrigeration with a ton of weight. TR is a rate of heat removal, not the mass of the equipment.
- Mixing BTU and BTU/hr. BTU is a quantity of heat. BTU/hr is a rate, and equipment capacity is always a rate.
- Reading MBH as BTU/hr. 1 MBH is 1,000 BTU/hr, so 12 MBH equals 1 TR.
Related HVAC Tools & Resources
Frequently asked questions
1 ton AC is how many BTU/hr?
One ton of air conditioning equals 12,000 BTU/hr of nominal cooling capacity. A 1.5 ton AC corresponds to 18,000 BTU/hr, while a 2 ton AC corresponds to 24,000 BTU/hr.
How many BTU per hour is a 1.5 ton AC?
A 1.5 ton AC has a nominal cooling capacity of 18,000 BTU/hr. Calculate this by multiplying 1.5 by 12,000. Check the manufacturer's specifications for the unit's actual rated capacity under the relevant operating conditions.
What is the formula to convert refrigeration tons to BTU/hr?
Multiply the refrigeration capacity in tons by 12,000 to obtain BTU/hr. For example, 4 tons × 12,000 = 48,000 BTU/hr. This ton to BTU formula is useful for comparing cooling capacities in HVAC calculations and equipment schedules.
Why is 1 ton of refrigeration exactly 12,000 BTU/hr?
The refrigeration ton originated from the cooling effect associated with melting one short ton of ice over 24 hours. This historical definition corresponds to 288,000 BTU over a day, or 12,000 BTU/hr. ASHRAE defines a refrigeration ton using this standard cooling rate.
How do I convert BTU/hr to TR?
Divide the BTU/hr value by 12,000 to calculate the equivalent refrigeration tonnage. For example, 36,000 BTU/hr ÷ 12,000 = 3 TR. A BTU/hr to TR converter simplifies this reverse calculation when reviewing equipment ratings or design documents.
How do I convert air conditioner tons to BTU?
Multiply the air conditioner tonnage by 12,000. For instance, a 2.5 ton AC corresponds to 30,000 BTU/hr. This calculation helps compare equipment rated in different units and verify the nominal cooling capacity specified in product catalogues.
How do I calculate split AC tonnage from BTU rating?
Divide the split AC's BTU/hr rating by 12,000. A unit rated at 24,000 BTU/hr corresponds to 2 TR. Use the manufacturer's rated cooling capacity for the calculation, and check the room's cooling load before deciding which unit to install.
What is the difference between BTU and BTU/hr in HVAC capacity?
BTU measures thermal energy, while BTU/hr measures the rate at which heat is transferred or removed. An air conditioner rated at 18,000 BTU/hr can remove heat at that nominal rate under its specified test conditions. The distinction matters when comparing equipment capacity with HVAC load calculations.
Can an AC tonnage to BTU capacity calculator select the right AC?
An AC tonnage to BTU capacity calculator converts cooling capacity between units, but it cannot determine the correct equipment size from tonnage alone. Proper selection requires a cooling-load assessment that considers room dimensions, insulation, windows, occupancy, ventilation, and local climate.
When should HVAC contractors use a ton to BTU calculator online?
HVAC contractors can use a ton to BTU calculator when comparing equipment schedules, checking cooling-load reports, preparing quotations, or reviewing manufacturer specifications. An online ton to BTU/hr converter or cooling ton to BTU converter makes routine capacity checks quicker. These HVAC tools for contractors support technical reviews, but engineering calculations should still guide final equipment selection.