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kW to BTU/h

Kilowatts (kW) to BTU per hour (BTU/h).

Result8,530.35BTU/h

Precision (significant figures)

Formula

BTU/h = kW × 3,412.14

1 kW = 3,412.14 BTU/h

BTU/h = kW × 3,412.14. So a 2.5 kW split air conditioner is 8,530.35 BTU/h, a 3.5 kW unit is 11,942.5 BTU/h, and a 10 kW heat pump is 34,121.4 BTU/h. That's the conversion for comparing metric and US HVAC specs.

Formula

BTU/h = kW × 3,412.14

Worked example

  1. Start with 2.5 kW.
  2. Multiply by 3,412.14 (BTU/h per kW): 2.5 × 3,412.14 = 8,530.35 BTU/h.

Kw to btu chart

Kilowatts (kW)BTU per hour (BTU/h)
0.51,706.07
13,412.14
1.55,118.21
26,824.28
2.58,530.35
310,236.4
3.511,942.5
517,060.7
723,885
1034,121.4
1551,182.1
2068,242.8
2585,303.5
30102,364
50170,607
100341,214

When you need this conversion

Buying air conditioners or heat pumps specified in kW, comparing boiler outputs, and reading HVAC datasheets from other markets.

Quick reference

  • 1 kW = 3,412.14 BTU/h
  • 2.5 kW = 8,530.35 BTU/h
  • 3.5 kW = 11,942.5 BTU/h
  • 5 kW = 17,060.7 BTU/h
  • 7 kW = 23,885 BTU/h
  • 10 kW = 34,121.4 BTU/h

Marketing sizes

AC units are sold in round BTU classes: 9,000, 12,000, 18,000 and 24,000. The kW figure on a metric datasheet is usually slightly below the nominal class: a “12,000 BTU” split unit is often rated 3.5 kW.

Common mistakes

Using electrical input. Convert the rated cooling or heating capacity, not the power draw.

Rounding to 3,400. Fine for estimates; the exact figure is 3,412.14.

For the reverse, use BTU/h to kW. For heat energy on bills, see kWh to joules.

Questions

How many BTU/h is 1 kW?

3,412.14 BTU/h.

How many BTU is a 3.5 kW air conditioner?

11,942.5 BTU/h, sold as a 12,000 BTU unit.

How many BTU is a 2.5 kW AC?

8,530.35 BTU/h, often sold as 9,000 BTU.

How many tons is 10 kW?

2.84345 tons of refrigeration.

Sources

Last reviewed 2026-09-24. How we check values · Report a problem with this page