kWh to BTU Converter
A bidirectional converter for **Energy (kWh ↔ BTU)** and **Power (kW ↔ BTU/hr)**. Use the correct tool for your needs.
Energy Conversion (kWh ↔ BTU)
Use this to convert total energy (e.g., battery capacity, monthly bill).
Power Conversion (kW ↔ BTU/hr)
Use this for appliance ratings (e.g., air conditioners, heaters, stoves).
The Key Difference: Energy (kWh) vs. Power (kW)
The most common error in this conversion is confusing **Energy** with **Power**. They are not the same.
- ENERGY (kWh and BTU): This is a *total amount* of energy. Think of it like the total fuel in your car's tank. You are billed by your utility company for the total energy (in kWh) you consume.
- POWER (kW and BTU/hr): This is the *rate* at which energy is used. Think of it as how *fast* your car burns fuel. An air conditioner's "10,000 BTU" rating is actually 10,000 BTU/hr (Power).
This page provides both calculators. If you are converting a battery's capacity, use the Energy converter. If you are converting an appliance's rating, use the Power converter.
Conversion Formulas
Luckily, the conversion factor is numerically the same for both:
Power: 1 kW = 3412.14 BTU/hr
To convert from kWh to BTU, you **multiply by 3412.14**.
To convert from BTU to kWh, you **divide by 3412.14** (or multiply by 0.000293071).
Common Conversion Chart
| Kilowatts (kW) | BTU per Hour (BTU/hr) | Kilowatt-Hours (kWh) | BTU |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3,412 | 1 | 3,412 |
| 5 | 17,061 | 5 | 17,061 |
| 10 | 34,121 | 10 | 34,121 |
| 15 | 51,182 | 15 | 51,182 |
| 25 | 85,304 | 25 | 85,304 |
| 50 | 170,607 | 50 | 170,607 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many BTUs are in 1 kWh?
There are **3,412.14 BTUs** in 1 kilowatt-hour (kWh). This is a conversion of *energy*.
How many BTUs are in 1 kW?
There are **3,412.14 BTU/hr** in 1 kilowatt (kW). This is a conversion of *power* (the rate of energy use).
How do I convert my electric bill (kWh) to the BTU rating of my AC?
You cannot convert them directly, as one is energy and one is power. However, you can find out how much your AC *cost* you.
1. Find your AC's power in kW: (BTU/hr) / 3412.14. (e.g., 10,000 BTU/hr = 2.93 kW).
2. Find the kWh used: kW * hours_used. (e.g., 2.93 kW * 8 hours = 23.44 kWh).
3. Find the cost: kWh * cost_per_kWh. (e.g., 23.44 kWh * $0.15 = $3.52).
Formula (LaTeX) + variables + units
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Energy: 1 kWh = 3412.14 BTU Power: 1 kW = 3412.14 BTU/hr
- No variables provided in audit spec.
- NIST — Weights and measures — nist.gov · Accessed 2026-01-19
https://www.nist.gov/pml/weights-and-measures - NIST — SI units — nist.gov · Accessed 2026-01-19
https://www.nist.gov/pml/owm/metric-si/si-units
Last code update: 2026-01-19
- Initial audit spec draft generated from HTML extraction (review required).
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