BTU to Tons Converter
Convert BTU per hour (BTU/h) to tons of refrigeration (tons) instantly. Type a value — the result updates as you type, and the swap button converts the other way.
BTU/h to Tons formula
tons = BTU/h ÷ 12000
1 BTU per hour = 0.000083 tons of refrigeration · 1 ton of refrigeration = 12000 BTU per hour
To convert BTU per hour to tons of refrigeration, divide the value by 12000. For example, 36000 BTU/h:
tons = 36000 ÷ 12000tons = 3
So 36000 BTU/h = 3 tons.
Mental math shortcut
This conversion is exact, so there is no need to estimate: just divide by 12,000.
BTU/h to Tons conversion table
| BTU per hour | Tons of refrigeration |
|---|---|
| 6000 BTU/h | 0.5 tons |
| 12000 BTU/h | 1 tons |
| 18000 BTU/h | 1.5 tons |
| 24000 BTU/h | 2 tons |
| 30000 BTU/h | 2.5 tons |
| 36000 BTU/h | 3 tons |
| 42000 BTU/h | 3.5 tons |
| 48000 BTU/h | 4 tons |
| 60000 BTU/h | 5 tons |
Tons back to BTU/h
The same values converted the other way, rounded for everyday use:
| Tons of refrigeration | BTU per hour |
|---|---|
| 0.5 tons | 6000 BTU/h |
| 1 tons | 12000 BTU/h |
| 1.5 tons | 18000 BTU/h |
| 2 tons | 24000 BTU/h |
| 2.5 tons | 30000 BTU/h |
| 3 tons | 36000 BTU/h |
| 3.5 tons | 42000 BTU/h |
| 4 tons | 48000 BTU/h |
About the units
BTU per hour (BTU/h)
BTU per hour measures heating or cooling power. 1 BTU/h ≈ 0.293 watts; air conditioners are rated in BTU/h.
Tons of refrigeration (tons)
A ton of refrigeration is 12,000 BTU/h (about 3.517 kW) — the cooling needed to melt one short ton of ice in 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of refrigeration are in a BTU per hour?
One BTU per hour equals 0.000083 tons of refrigeration.
What is 36000 BTU/h in Tons?
36000 BTU/h = 3 tons.
How do I convert Tons back to BTU/h?
Multiply the tons of refrigeration by 12000.