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BTU To Tons Calculator
Quick answer: One ton of heating or cooling capacity equals 12,000 BTU per hour, so divide BTU/h by 12,000 to get tons. To get kilowatts, divide BTU/h by about 3,412. A 24,000 BTU/h heat pump is 2 tons, or roughly 7 kW. The tool converts both ways for spec sheets and quotes.
How it works
The ton comes from the cooling effect of melting one ton of ice over a day, which works out to 12,000 BTU per hour. Residential heat pumps usually range from about 1.5 to 5 tons, and mini-split heads from half a ton to 2 tons. Canadian and European spec sheets often list capacity in kW, so the calculator shows that too. Remember that a heat pump's rated capacity is measured at specific test temperatures; actual heating output falls as outdoor air gets colder. A "3-ton" unit may deliver much less at 5°F. Check the extended performance table, and size with the heat pump size calculator or the mini-split size calculator.
Worked example
Figures below are illustrative examples (2026-10-29), not quotes or guarantees.
Assumptions: 24,000 BTU/h. Tons = 24,000 ÷ 12,000 = 2.00. Kilowatts = 24,000 ÷ 3,412.14 ≈ 7.03 kW. A 36,000 BTU/h unit is 3 tons, about 10.6 kW.
FAQ
Is a ton the same for heating and cooling?
Yes, as a unit, but a unit's heating and cooling ratings often differ.
What does model number "36" mean?
Often nominal capacity in thousands of BTU/h; confirm on the spec sheet.
Is kW of capacity the same as kW of power use?
No. A heat pump delivering 7 kW of heat may draw 2 to 3 kW of electricity.
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