Apex Conversion

BTU to kWh Conversion Chart

Quick-reference chart converting BTU to kilowatt-hours (kWh). Covers 100–10,000,000 BTU — for HVAC selection, energy audits, fuel comparisons, and utility bill analysis.

For a custom value not in this chart, use the Energy converter.

BTU (BTU)Kilowatt-hour (kWh)
100 BTU0.0293071 kWh
500 BTU0.146536 kWh
1000 BTU0.293071 kWh
2000 BTU0.586142 kWh
3412 BTU0.999958 kWh
5000 BTU1.46536 kWh
10000 BTU2.93071 kWh
12000 BTU3.51685 kWh
15000 BTU4.39607 kWh
20000 BTU5.86142 kWh
24000 BTU7.03371 kWh
36000 BTU10.5506 kWh
50000 BTU14.6536 kWh
100000 BTU29.3071 kWh
200000 BTU58.6142 kWh
500000 BTU146.536 kWh
1000000 BTU293.071 kWh
5000000 BTU1465.36 kWh
10000000 BTU2930.71 kWh

Conversion Formula

kWh = BTU × 0.000293071
BTU = kWh × 3,412.14

1 BTU = 1,055.056 J = 0.000293071 kWh
1 kWh = 3,412.14 BTU

HVAC capacity reference (BTU/hr → kW):
  6,000 BTU/hr  = 1.76 kW  (small room AC)
  9,000 BTU/hr  = 2.64 kW  (medium room AC)
 12,000 BTU/hr  = 3.52 kW  (1 ton AC)
 18,000 BTU/hr  = 5.27 kW  (1.5-ton AC)
 24,000 BTU/hr  = 7.03 kW  (2-ton AC)
 36,000 BTU/hr  = 10.55 kW  (3-ton AC)

Note: 1 ton of AC = 12,000 BTU/hr = 3.517 kW

Frequently Asked Questions

How many kWh is 12,000 BTU?

12,000 BTU × 0.000293071 = 3.52 kWh. This is the energy equivalent — but a 12,000 BTU/hr air conditioner does not use 3.52 kWh/hr of electricity. It uses 1.0–1.5 kWh/hr (depending on efficiency rating), because it moves heat rather than generating it.

How many kWh is 100,000 BTU?

100,000 BTU × 0.000293071 = 29.3 kWh. 100,000 BTU = 1 therm (the standard US natural gas billing unit). A therm equals 29.3 kWh of energy.

What is a BTU and where is it used?

One BTU (British Thermal Unit) is the energy needed to raise one pound of water by 1°F. It equals approximately 1,055 joules. In the US, HVAC systems (air conditioners, furnaces, heat pumps), water heaters, and natural gas are rated in BTUs or BTU/hr. Outside the US and UK, kilowatts and kWh are used instead.

How do I convert an air conditioner's BTU rating to kW?

Divide BTU/hr by 3,412.14 to get kW of cooling capacity. A 24,000 BTU/hr unit has 7.03 kW cooling capacity. Do not confuse this with electrical power consumption — a 24,000 BTU/hr AC might draw only 2.0–2.5 kW of electricity (EER ≈ 10).

How many BTU does a home furnace produce?

Residential gas furnaces are rated at 40,000–150,000 BTU/hr output. A standard US home needs roughly 30–60 BTU/hr per square foot in cold climates. A 1,500 sq ft home might need a 60,000–90,000 BTU/hr furnace. An 80,000 BTU/hr furnace = 23.5 kW of heat output.

Related Charts

kWh to BTU Conversion ChartWatt-hours to Kilowatt-hours Conversion Chart

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All conversion values are calculated using internationally recognized conversion factors. Results are provided for general informational purposes — verify critical values independently. Read our full disclaimer.