BTU/hr to kW Calculator
Convert British Thermal Units per hour (BTU/hr) to kilowatts (kW) using this fast and accurate calculator. Perfect for comparing heating and cooling systems across imperial and metric units.
Understanding the Conversion from BTU/hr to kW
When working with heating and cooling systems—especially across different regions—it’s common to need conversions between BTU/hr (British Thermal Units per hour) and kilowatts (kW). BTU/hr is widely used in the United States for heating and cooling capacity, while kW is the standard unit of power in most of the world under the metric system.
What is a BTU/hr?
BTU/hr stands for British Thermal Units per hour. It measures the amount of heat energy delivered (or removed) per hour. One BTU is the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. In HVAC and thermal systems, BTU/hr is a standard for capacity ratings.
What is a Kilowatt?
A kilowatt (kW) is 1,000 watts. It represents the rate of energy transfer or power, commonly used in electrical and mechanical systems worldwide. Most appliances, electrical systems, and renewable energy equipment are rated in kilowatts.
Conversion Formula
1 BTU/hr = 0.00029307107 kW
To convert from BTU/hr to kilowatts:
kW = BTU/hr × 0.00029307107
Example Conversions
- 3,412.142 BTU/hr = 1.0 kW
- 10,000 BTU/hr = 2.9307 kW
- 24,000 BTU/hr = 7.0337 kW
- 60,000 BTU/hr = 17.5843 kW
When Should You Convert BTU/hr to kW?
This conversion is commonly needed when:
- Comparing U.S. HVAC equipment with international specs
- Sizing electric heaters based on gas-fired furnace ratings
- Translating building energy loads for compliance or design
- Using renewable energy (solar, wind) to replace thermal loads
Quick Reference Table
| BTU/hr | kW |
|---|---|
| 1,000 | 0.2931 |
| 5,000 | 1.4654 |
| 10,000 | 2.9307 |
| 15,000 | 4.3961 |
| 20,000 | 5.8614 |
| 60,000 | 17.5843 |
Why Use kW Instead of BTU/hr?
While BTU/hr is still used in the U.S., most of the world—including all scientific and industrial standards—uses watts or kilowatts. Converting to kW simplifies integration with other systems and makes it easier to compare power ratings for equipment across countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this for cooling systems?
Yes. Both heating and cooling system capacities are often measured in BTU/hr and convertible to kW.
Is 1 kW equal to 3,412 BTU/hr?
Yes. That’s the standard inverse conversion: 1 kW = 3,412.142 BTU/hr.
Is this conversion linear?
Yes. Just multiply BTU/hr by the constant 0.00029307107 to get kW.
Can this be used for gas appliances?
Yes. Many gas appliances are rated in BTU/hr. You can convert that to kW to compare with electric or solar-powered systems.