How to convert tons of refrigeration to BTU per hour
One ton of refrigeration equals 12,000 BTU per hour, so multiply the number of tons of refrigeration by 12,000:
BTU/h = TR × 12,000
TR = BTU/h ÷ 12,000 (1 BTU/h = 0.000083 TR)
Example: 0.75 TR → 0.75 × 12,000 = 9,000 BTU/h.
Going the other way, divide by 12,000, or multiply by 0.000083; the BTU per hour to tons of refrigeration converter does it for you.
Everyday values
| Tons of refrigeration | BTU per hour | For example |
|---|---|---|
| 0.75 TR | 9,000 BTU/h | a small room unit |
| 1 TR | 12,000 BTU/h | one ton = 12,000 BTU/h |
| 1.5 TR | 18,000 BTU/h | a 1.5-ton split AC |
| 2 TR | 24,000 BTU/h | a 2-ton AC |
| 5 TR | 60,000 BTU/h | a large home system |
When you need this conversion
A "ton" of air conditioning is the cooling needed to melt one short ton of ice in 24 hours: 12,000 BTU per hour or 3.517 kW. It has nothing to do with the weight of the unit.
Ton of refrigeration to BTU per hour conversion table
| TR | BTU/h | TR | BTU/h |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 TR | 6,000 BTU/h | 5.5 TR | 66,000 BTU/h |
| 1 TR | 12,000 BTU/h | 6 TR | 72,000 BTU/h |
| 1.5 TR | 18,000 BTU/h | 6.5 TR | 78,000 BTU/h |
| 2 TR | 24,000 BTU/h | 7 TR | 84,000 BTU/h |
| 2.5 TR | 30,000 BTU/h | 7.5 TR | 90,000 BTU/h |
| 3 TR | 36,000 BTU/h | 8 TR | 96,000 BTU/h |
| 3.5 TR | 42,000 BTU/h | 8.5 TR | 102,000 BTU/h |
| 4 TR | 48,000 BTU/h | 9 TR | 108,000 BTU/h |
| 4.5 TR | 54,000 BTU/h | 9.5 TR | 114,000 BTU/h |
| 5 TR | 60,000 BTU/h | 10 TR | 120,000 BTU/h |
About the units
- Ton of refrigeration (TR): 12,000 BTU per hour, about 3.517 kW.
- 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 ton of refrigeration?
One ton of refrigeration is 12,000 BTU per hour. One BTU per hour is 0.000083 tons of refrigeration.
How do I convert tons of refrigeration to BTU per hour?
Multiply the value in tons of refrigeration by 12,000. To go back, divide by 12,000.
What is 0.75 TR in BTU per hour?
0.75 TR = 9,000 BTU/h.
What is 1.5 TR in BTU per hour?
1.5 TR = 18,000 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.