BTU to Tons Converter
Convert between BTU per hour and tons of refrigeration, the standard units used to describe air conditioner and HVAC cooling capacity.
What is a ‘ton’ of cooling?
In HVAC, a ‘ton of refrigeration’ is a unit of cooling power historically defined as the rate needed to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours. It’s still the standard way residential and commercial air conditioner capacity is described in the US.
The formula
One ton of refrigeration equals exactly 12,000 BTU per hour, so converting is simple division: Tons = BTU/hr ÷ 12,000. The calculator also shows the equivalent in kilowatts, using 1 BTU/hr = 0.00029307107 kW.
Sizing an actual air conditioning system involves more than raw capacity conversion — square footage, insulation, climate, and window area all matter — so consult an HVAC professional for installation sizing. This tool is for general reference and educational purposes.