BTU to Tons Converter

BTU/h and Refrigeration Tons

HVAC cooling capacity is quoted in BTU per hour (BTU/h) or refrigeration tons. One ton of refrigeration removes heat at a rate of 12,000 BTU/h, a legacy unit from ice-making capacity.

Conversion Formulas

$$\text{Tons} = \frac{\text{BTU/h}}{12{,}000}$$ $$\text{BTU/h} = \text{Tons} \times 12{,}000$$

Example: 24,000 BTU/h = 2 tons. A 3-ton unit moves 36,000 BTU/h of heat.

Related tools: Power Converter and Energy Converter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a refrigeration ton the same as a weight ton?

No. A refrigeration ton is a rate of heat removal (12,000 BTU/h). It is unrelated to 2,000 lb or metric tonnes of mass.

How many BTU/h is a 5-ton AC unit?

5 tons × 12,000 = 60,000 BTU/h nominal cooling capacity.

Can I convert to kilowatts?

Yes. 1 BTU/h ≈ 0.293 W, so 12,000 BTU/h ≈ 3.52 kW of cooling. Use the power converter for mixed units.

Does this include heating capacity?

This converter uses the standard refrigeration-ton definition for cooling. Heat pumps may list both heating and cooling BTU/h separately.

Why 12,000 BTU/h per ton?

Historically, one ton of ice melting in 24 hours absorbs about 12,000 BTU/h. The HVAC industry kept the label.

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BTU/h and Refrigeration Tons

Conversion Formulas

Frequently Asked Questions

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