About this calculator
This calculator converts between kilowatts (kW) and BTU per hour using the standard relationship of 3,412.142 BTU/hr per kilowatt. Use it when reconciling equipment specifications that mix metric power ratings with imperial cooling or heating capacity. Watts are entered as their kW equivalent — divide watts by 1,000 (for example, 500 W = 0.5 kW).
Use when You need to convert power or cooling capacity between kilowatts and BTU per hour.
Formula 1 kW = 3,412.142 BTU/hr
Variables
Value Power in kW or capacity in BTU/hr
Conversion Direction
kW
Enter the value to convert
BTU/h —

How do kilowatts relate to BTU per hour?

A kilowatt is a unit of power equal to 1,000 watts, while BTU per hour is a rate of heat transfer common in HVAC and refrigeration. One watt equals 3.412142 BTU/hr, so one kilowatt equals 3,412.142 BTU/hr. The relationship comes from the definition of the BTU as the energy needed to raise one pound of water by 1 °F: 1 BTU equals 1,055.06 joules, and dividing 3,600 seconds per hour by that value gives 3.412142 BTU/hr per watt. Equipment ratings frequently mix these units — chillers and heat pumps may be specified in kW while air handlers and packaged units are rated in BTU/hr or tons — so converting between them is a routine step when comparing capacities or reconciling international specifications. For example, a 10 kW heater delivers about 34,121 BTU/hr, and a 36,000 BTU/hr (3-ton) cooling unit corresponds to roughly 10.55 kW of cooling. Common conversions: 1 kW = 3,412 BTU/hr, 5 kW = 17,061 BTU/hr, 8 kW = 27,297 BTU/hr, 10 kW = 34,121 BTU/hr, 12 kW = 40,946 BTU/hr, 15 kW = 51,182 BTU/hr, and 20 kW = 68,243 BTU/hr.

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