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.
Energy Conversion (BTU ↔ kWh)
Use this for converting pure energy units. This is **not** for appliance ratings (see next calculator).
AC / Heater Energy & Cost Calculator
This is the tool you probably want. Use it to find the daily energy use and cost of an appliance based on its **power rating (BTU/hr)**.
Based on 23.44 kWh of energy used per day.
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.
1 kWh = 3412.14 BTU
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.
1 BTU/hr = 0.000293071 kW
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:
- Find Energy (kWh):
Power (kW) × Time (hours) = Energy (kWh) - 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.