BTU to kWh Converter

Convert energy from British Thermal Units (BTU) to kilowatt-hours (kWh) or calculate the energy cost of an appliance like an air conditioner.

The Important Difference: BTU vs. BTU/hr

The biggest point of confusion in this conversion is the difference between **Energy** and **Power**.

• BTU (British Thermal Unit) is a unit of **ENERGY**. It is an *amount* of heat, just like a kWh or a calorie.
• BTU/hr (BTU per hour) is a unit of **POWER**. It is the *rate* at which energy is used, just like a kW or horsepower.

Your air conditioner isn't a "10,000 BTU" unit; it's a "10,000 BTU/hr" unit. It *consumes* energy at a *rate* of 10,000 BTU per hour. You pay your utility company for the total **energy (kWh)** you use over the month.

Formulas Used

1. Energy Conversion (BTU to kWh)

This is a direct conversion between two energy units.

Use the first calculator on this page for this simple conversion.

2. Power Conversion (BTU/hr to kW)

This is a direct conversion between two power units. This is the first step in our cost calculator.

Example: A 10,000 BTU/hr AC unit has a power of 10,000 / 3412.14 = 2.93 kW.

3. Energy & Cost Calculation

To find the final cost, you use two more steps:

1. Find Energy (kWh): Power (kW) × Time (hours) = Energy (kWh)
2. Find Cost: Energy (kWh) × Cost per kWh ($) = Total Cost ($)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many kWh does a 10,000 BTU AC use?

A 10,000 BTU AC is rated at **10,000 BTU/hr**, which is a power rating of **2.93 kW**. To find the kWh (energy), you must multiply by time. If it runs for 1 hour, it uses 2.93 kWh. If it runs for 8 hours, it uses (2.93 * 8) = 23.44 kWh. Use the second calculator on this page for a precise cost estimate.

What is a BTU?

A British Thermal Unit (BTU) is a unit of energy. It is defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.

What is a Kilowatt-Hour (kWh)?

A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is the standard unit of energy used by utility companies. It is the amount of energy consumed by using one kilowatt (kW) of power for one hour.

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1 BTU = 0.000293071 kWh 1 kWh = 3412.14 BTU

1 kW = 3412.14 BTU/hr 1 BTU/hr = 0.000293071 kW