BTU, kW and tons converter
Updated October 24, 2026
Type a value in any box: the other two update.
Running cost
Common sizes
| BTU/h | kW | Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 6,000 | 1.76 | 0.50 |
| 9,000 | 2.64 | 0.75 |
| 12,000 | 3.52 | 1.00 |
| 18,000 | 5.28 | 1.50 |
| 24,000 | 7.03 | 2.00 |
| 27,000 | 7.91 | 2.25 |
| 36,000 | 10.55 | 3.00 |
| 48,000 | 14.07 | 4.00 |
1 kW = 3,412 BTU/h · 1 refrigeration ton = 12,000 BTU/h = 3.52 kW.
BTU, kW or tons: which to use?
In Canada, wall-mounted heat pump makers list capacity in BTU/h; central heat pumps and furnaces often use tons; rebate programs and European spec sheets use kW. All three measure the same thing: power, a quantity of heat per hour.
Frequently asked questions
How many kW is a 12,000 BTU heat pump?
12,000 BTU/h = 3.52 kW = 1 ton.
How many BTU in a ton?
One refrigeration ton is 12,000 BTU/h, the heat absorbed by one ton of ice melting over 24 hours.
Does a 3.5 kW heat pump use 3.5 kWh per hour?
No. 3.5 kW is the heat it delivers. With an efficiency of 2.7, it uses about 1.3 kWh of electricity per hour at full output, and less at reduced speed.