TR to kW Converter
Convert refrigeration tonnage into kilowatts to compare cooling capacity across HVAC specifications. Use the result to review chiller ratings and project records, and confirm manufacturer data before making equipment decisions.
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TR to kW formula
kW = TR × 3.5168528
TR = kW ÷ 3.5168528
The factor is 3.5168528 kW for each 1 TR. Going the other way, 1 kW is 0.28434514 TR.
TR to kW reference table
| TR | kW |
|---|---|
| 1 | 3.51685 |
| 1.5 | 5.27528 |
| 2 | 7.03371 |
| 3 | 10.5506 |
| 5 | 17.5843 |
| 10 | 35.1685 |
| 20 | 70.3371 |
| 50 | 175.843 |
| 100 | 351.685 |
Where this conversion is used
Cooling capacity is quoted in TR on most projects in India and the Gulf, and many people say ton for the same unit. Chiller, VRF and packaged unit catalogues from European and Asian manufacturers list capacity in kW. Use this conversion when you compare a heat load result in TR with catalogue capacities in kW. This page uses the US refrigeration ton, which is 12,000 BTU/hr. The kW value is thermal capacity (heat removed), not the electrical input power of the machine.
Worked example
A heat load calculation gives 15 TR for a showroom and the VRF catalogue lists outdoor units by kW of cooling capacity.
15 TR × 3.5168528 = 52.7528 kW
Look for an outdoor unit with at least 52.75 kW of cooling capacity at the design conditions.
Common mistakes
- Reading the kW result as electrical power. The converted figure is cooling capacity. Electrical input depends on the efficiency of the equipment and is much lower.
- Using the nominal tons in a model name as the actual capacity. Check the rated capacity at your design conditions.
- Mixing up kW per TR, which is an efficiency figure, with kW of cooling capacity.
Related HVAC Tools & Resources
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find a kW to TR conversion calculator for chillers in industrial systems?
You can use the free online kW to TR conversion calculator for chillers on DuctArchitect to instantly convert chiller capacities. To manually convert kilowatts (kW) of cooling capacity to tons of refrigeration (TR), divide the kW value by 3.517 (or multiply by 0.284).
For example, if a manufacturer catalog lists an industrial chiller with a cooling capacity of 500 kW, dividing it by 3.517 results in approximately 142.17 TR. This calculation helps MEP engineers match European or Asian chiller specifications with Middle Eastern project requirements.
How do you convert kW to tons of cooling?
Divide cooling capacity in kW by 3.517 to convert kW to tons of cooling, also called TR refrigeration.
Formula: TR = Cooling capacity (kW) ÷ 3.517
For example, 20 kW ÷ 3.517 = approximately 5.69 TR. ASHRAE's SI Guide defines one refrigeration ton as 12,000 Btu/h, equivalent to approximately 3.517 kW.
How can a TR to kW calculator help UAE HVAC service businesses?
A TR to kW calculator helps UAE HVAC service businesses compare cooling-capacity ratings across equipment specifications, service records, and quotations.
Converting ratings into a common unit reduces comparison errors when reviewing supplier documents. Contractors should also verify the manufacturer's specified operating conditions before comparing chiller performance.
What should I check when calculating kW for chillers?
A TR to kW calculation for chillers multiplies the rated cooling capacity in TR by 3.517.
For example, a 250 TR chiller represents approximately 879.21 kW of cooling capacity. For multiple chillers, check whether the specified TR value describes an individual unit or the combined plant capacity.
How do you convert refrigeration tons to kilowatts?
Multiply the refrigeration capacity in tons by 3.517 to obtain its equivalent cooling capacity in kW.
For example, 10 TR equals approximately 35.17 kW. Use the rated cooling capacity, not the equipment's electrical input, for this conversion.
What is the difference between cooling kW and electrical kW?
Cooling kW measures the rate at which an HVAC system removes heat, while electrical kW measures the power it consumes.
A chiller's cooling output and electrical input are different values. Check the manufacturer's rated input power or performance data when estimating electricity demand.
How do you compare VRF cooling capacity in TR and kW?
Multiply the stated cooling capacity in TR by 3.517 to convert it into kW.
For example, 5 TR equals approximately 17.58 kW. Before comparing VRF equipment, check the manufacturer's capacity data at the specified indoor and outdoor operating conditions.
Do Gulf climate conditions change the TR-to-kW conversion?
No. The conversion factor remains approximately 3.517 kW per refrigeration ton, regardless of location.
However, outdoor temperature and humidity can affect cooling loads and equipment performance. The Dubai Building Code specifies 34°C dry-bulb and 32°C wet-bulb temperatures for a particular outdoor-air design provision. These values are not universal chiller rating conditions. Verify the applicable project requirements and manufacturer performance data.
Can a Dubai HVAC heat-load calculator replace a TR to kW converter?
No. A heat-load calculator estimates a building's cooling requirements, while a TR to kW converter changes an existing capacity value from one unit to another.
For preliminary load estimation, use the HVAC Load Calculator Template, which uses building inputs to estimate heating and cooling requirements. Complete the load assessment before selecting equipment capacity.
Which TR-to-kW reference values help compare district cooling plant capacity?
HVAC engineers can compare district cooling capacities using the conversion factor of 3.517 kW per TR.
Reference values include 100 TR = 351.7 kW, 250 TR = 879.21 kW and 500 TR = 1,758.4 kW.
Use the TR to kW converter above to check other capacities. Confirm whether the plant schedule lists individual chiller ratings or total installed capacity.
What should HVAC contractors verify before using converted capacity in a quotation?
HVAC contractors should verify the original cooling-capacity rating, the equipment model, and the specified operating conditions before using converted values in a quotation.
Keep the original TR rating alongside the calculated kW value. This helps estimators, consultants, and project teams trace the conversion back to the manufacturer's specification.
When is converting an HVAC heat load from TR to kW useful for Dubai projects?
Converting an established cooling load to kW helps project teams compare engineering calculations with equipment schedules and other technical records.
This can be useful in Dubai's district cooling sector, where cooling capacity is a significant consideration in plant and building operations. However, unit conversion does not calculate a building's heat load from scratch. That requires appropriate building, occupancy, ventilation, and climate inputs.