BTU to Tons Calculator
Enter your AC's BTU rating to see its size in tons. 12,000 BTU/hr = 1 ton.
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Slide through common AC sizes
Pick a size and watch the AC respond. Drag the picture to turn the AC.
The air and cooling effort are illustrations, not measurements.
3 refrigeration tons equals 36,000 BTU/hr
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Compare two ratings or convert a list
Check the difference between two capacities, or paste multiple values for a downloadable conversion table.
BTU to tons conversion chart
These are equivalent capacities. A matching size does not tell you if an AC is right for your room.
| BTU/hr | Tons | Cooling kW | Size class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6,000 | 0.5 | 1.7584 | 0.5 ton |
| 8,000 | 0.6667 | 2.3446 | Between 0.5 and 0.75 ton |
| 9,000 | 0.75 | 2.6376 | 0.75 ton |
| 10,000 | 0.8333 | 2.9307 | Between 0.75 and 1 ton |
| 12,000 | 1 | 3.5169 | 1 ton |
| 18,000 | 1.5 | 5.2753 | 1.5 ton |
| 24,000 | 2 | 7.0337 | 2 ton |
| 30,000 | 2.5 | 8.7921 | 2.5 ton |
| 36,000 | 3 | 10.5506 | 3 ton |
| 42,000 | 3.5 | 12.309 | 3.5 ton |
| 48,000 | 4 | 14.0674 | 4 ton |
| 60,000 | 5 | 17.5843 | 5 ton |
What do BTU/hr and refrigeration tons mean?
BTU is a unit of thermal energy. BTU/hr measures the rate of heat transfer. A refrigeration ton is another capacity unit, equal to 12,000 BTU/hr; it is not the unit's weight.
How to convert BTU/hr to tons
Divide BTU/hr by 12,000. For example, 24,000 ÷ 12,000 = 2 tons. To reverse the conversion, multiply refrigeration tons by 12,000.
Find the capacity on your AC nameplate
Use the cooling-capacity rating when available. Model-number codes vary by manufacturer and product family.
All BTU and ton conversions
Each page shows the answer, the calculation and nearby capacities, with the converter ready for another value.
Method: standard refrigeration-ton conversion using International Table BTU (NIST). Calculations are shown for reference. Size classes and estimates use separate, documented assumptions.
Frequently asked questions
How many BTU are in one ton?
One refrigeration ton equals 12,000 BTU per hour. Confirm that the rating is a rate, not total energy.
Is 24,000 BTU a 2-ton AC?
A 24,000 BTU/hr cooling rating equals 2 tons. Actual rated performance can differ from a nominal model size.
What size AC is 19,000 BTU?
About 1.58 tons, which is sold as a 1.5 ton AC. ACs are named by nominal size, so the rated BTU/hr on the spec sheet is often a little above or below the size name.
Are tons the weight of the AC?
No. Refrigeration tons measure heat-transfer capacity, not equipment weight or refrigerant mass.
Does 1 ton use 3.517 kW of electricity?
No. About 3.517 kW is its cooling capacity. Electrical input depends on efficiency and operating conditions.
Can I convert total BTU to tons?
Provide a duration: divide BTU by hours, then divide by 12,000. Without time, total BTU converts to ton-hours.
How many square feet can 2 tons cool?
There is no universal area-to-tonnage ratio. Room conditions, building design and climate affect the required capacity.
Does this work for heat pumps?
It converts a stated capacity rating. Heating and cooling capacities can differ and change with outdoor conditions.
Can tonnage tell me the breaker size?
No. Use the nameplate and installation requirements; capacity is not electrical input or circuit protection.