What it calculates
Convert cooling tons to BTU per hour and back.
HVAC Tons / BTU Calculator
Convert cooling tons and BTU per hour.
Planning and estimating aid only. Verify project requirements, manufacturer instructions, adopted codes, permits, and field conditions before performing regulated work.
HVAC planning
How to Use This Calculator
Use the field units shown below, then compare your result with the worked example. Keep BTU/hr distinct from BTU, which is an amount of energy.
How the calculation works
One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU per hour.
What the result means
The calculator converts directly between those two capacity units.
Convert a capacity unit without resizing the system
A nominal cooling ton equals 12,000 BTU/hr in this conversion. Therefore 2.5 tons × 12,000 = 30,000 BTU/hr. Reversing the conversion divides 30,000 by 12,000 to return 2.5 tons.
Contractor tip: Keep BTU/hr distinct from BTU, which is an amount of energy. Use the converted number to compare units, then follow a proper sizing process for the actual building.
Verify the final quantity
The word ton here is a cooling-capacity unit, not the physical weight of an air conditioner. Converting a unit does not calculate how much heating or cooling a room needs.
Good practice: Compare the calculated quantity with plans, specifications, product packaging and current field conditions before purchasing material.