How to convert kilowatts to BTU per hour
One kilowatt equals 3,412.14 BTU per hour, so multiply the number of kilowatts by 3,412.14:
BTU/h = kW × 3,412.14
kW = BTU/h ÷ 3,412.14 (1 BTU/h = 0.000293 kW)
Example: 2.5 kW → 2.5 × 3,412.14 = 8,530.35 BTU/h.
Going the other way, divide by 3,412.14, or multiply by 0.000293.
Everyday values
| Kilowatts | BTU per hour | For example |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 kW | 8,530.35 BTU/h | a small split AC |
| 3.5 kW | 11,942.5 BTU/h | about one ton |
| 5 kW | 17,060.7 BTU/h | a medium split AC |
| 7 kW | 23,885 BTU/h | a large split AC |
When you need this conversion
One kW is 3,412 BTU/h. Heat pumps and air conditioners outside the US are rated in kW of heating or cooling output.
Kilowatt to BTU per hour conversion table
| kW | BTU/h | kW | BTU/h |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 kW | 1,706.07 BTU/h | 5.5 kW | 18,766.8 BTU/h |
| 1 kW | 3,412.14 BTU/h | 6 kW | 20,472.8 BTU/h |
| 1.5 kW | 5,118.21 BTU/h | 6.5 kW | 22,178.9 BTU/h |
| 2 kW | 6,824.28 BTU/h | 7 kW | 23,885 BTU/h |
| 2.5 kW | 8,530.35 BTU/h | 7.5 kW | 25,591.1 BTU/h |
| 3 kW | 10,236.4 BTU/h | 8 kW | 27,297.1 BTU/h |
| 3.5 kW | 11,942.5 BTU/h | 8.5 kW | 29,003.2 BTU/h |
| 4 kW | 13,648.6 BTU/h | 9 kW | 30,709.3 BTU/h |
| 4.5 kW | 15,354.6 BTU/h | 9.5 kW | 32,415.3 BTU/h |
| 5 kW | 17,060.7 BTU/h | 10 kW | 34,121.4 BTU/h |
About the units
- Kilowatt (kW): 1,000 watts.
- BTU per hour (BTU/h): one International Table BTU per hour, about 0.2931 W.
Both are units of power. The conversion factor comes from the exact definitions above, so the calculator is exact; results are only rounded for display (up to six significant digits).
Frequently asked questions
How many BTU per hour are in one kilowatt?
One kilowatt is 3,412.14 BTU per hour. One BTU per hour is 0.000293 kilowatts.
How do I convert kilowatts to BTU per hour?
Multiply the value in kilowatts by 3,412.14. To go back, divide by 3,412.14.
What is 2.5 kW in BTU per hour?
2.5 kW = 8,530.35 BTU/h.
What is 3.5 kW in BTU per hour?
3.5 kW = 11,942.5 BTU/h.
Sources
- NIST Special Publication 811 (2008), Guide for the Use of the International System of Units (SI), Appendix B: conversion factors.
- NIST Handbook 44 (2024), Appendix C: General tables of units of measurement.
Last reviewed 5 October 2026. Results are estimates; see our disclaimer.