BTU to Refrigeration Tons Conversion Calculator
Convert BTU per hour (BTU/h) into refrigeration tons. This tool is especially helpful for HVAC professionals calculating cooling capacities for air conditioning and refrigeration systems.
BTU to Refrigeration Tons: Detailed Conversion Guide
What is a BTU?
BTU stands for British Thermal Unit, a measure of heat energy. Specifically, it’s the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. This unit is often used in heating and cooling industries, especially in North America.
What is a Refrigeration Ton?
A refrigeration ton (commonly shortened to "ton") is a unit of power used in some countries to describe the heat-extraction capacity of air conditioning and refrigeration systems. One ton of refrigeration is defined as the amount of heat absorbed to melt one ton (2,000 pounds) of ice in 24 hours. In energy terms:
- 1 refrigeration ton = 12,000 BTU/h
This means one refrigeration ton can remove 12,000 BTU of heat per hour from a space.
Conversion Formula
The relationship between BTU and refrigeration tons is simple:
- Tons = BTU/h ÷ 12,000
- BTU/h = Tons × 12,000
This is a standardized conversion used in all HVAC applications and cooling capacity calculations.
Common Use Cases for BTU to Ton Conversion
This conversion is especially useful in air conditioning system sizing, equipment comparisons, and building energy load analysis. Here are some typical use cases:
- Residential HVAC design — determining how many tons of cooling are needed for a house based on calculated BTUs.
- Commercial refrigeration — matching BTU capacities of walk-in freezers with refrigeration systems rated in tons.
- System upgrades — converting old system specs from BTU/h to tons when switching equipment models or vendors.
Conversion Table
| Application | BTU/h | Equivalent Tons |
|---|---|---|
| Small Room AC | 6,000 BTU/h | 0.5 ton |
| Standard Window Unit | 12,000 BTU/h | 1 ton |
| Large Split System | 36,000 BTU/h | 3 tons |
| Commercial Rooftop Unit | 120,000 BTU/h | 10 tons |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is cooling capacity measured in tons?
This unit originated when large blocks of ice were used for cooling. One ton of ice absorbs about 12,000 BTUs per hour as it melts. The term has remained as a standard in HVAC engineering.
Is a ton the same as a metric tonne?
No. In HVAC, a "ton" refers to refrigeration tonnage (cooling power), not mass. A "metric tonne" is a unit of mass equal to 1,000 kg. They are completely unrelated in meaning and use.
Can I use this conversion internationally?
Yes, but always ensure you’re using the correct unit. In many countries, cooling capacity is also expressed in kilowatts (kW). You can first convert BTU to kW or tons depending on the regional standard.
Is this calculator accurate?
Yes. It uses the standard conversion factor: 1 ton = 12,000 BTU/h. However, exact system sizing should also take into account efficiency ratings, environmental conditions, and room loads.
How many BTU/h is 2.5 tons?
It would be: 2.5 × 12,000 = 30,000 BTU/h. This size is often used for medium-sized residential systems.