How to convert BTU per hour to watts
One BTU per hour equals 0.293071 watts. To convert, multiply the number of BTU per hour by 0.293071 (or divide by 3.412142):
Mental-math shortcut: Divide BTU/h by 3.41: a 12,000 BTU air conditioner moves about 3,517 W of heat.
Example
Convert 12,000 BTU per hour to watts: 12,000 BTU/h × 0.293071 = 3,516.85 W.
BTU per Hour to Watts conversion chart
| BTU per Hour (BTU/h) | Watts (W) |
|---|---|
| 1,000 | 293.07 |
| 2,000 | 586.14 |
| 5,000 | 1,465.36 |
| 6,000 | 1,758.43 |
| 8,000 | 2,344.57 |
| 10,000 | 2,930.71 |
| 12,000 | 3,516.85 |
| 15,000 | 4,396.07 |
| 18,000 | 5,275.28 |
| 24,000 | 7,033.71 |
| 30,000 | 8,792.13 |
| 36,000 | 10,550.56 |
| 48,000 | 14,067.41 |
| 60,000 | 17,584.26 |
What is a BTU per hour?
BTU per hour (BTU/h, often just "BTU") measures heating and cooling power in the US. One BTU is the energy needed to warm one pound of water by 1 °F. Air conditioners and furnaces are sized in BTU/h — a 12,000 BTU/h air conditioner (one "ton" of cooling) delivers about 3.5 kW.
What is a watt?
The watt (W) is the SI unit of power — one joule of energy per second. Light bulbs, appliances, chargers and solar panels are rated in watts. A modern LED bulb uses about 9 W, a microwave about 1,000 W, and running a 1,000 W device for one hour uses 1 kilowatt-hour (kWh).
Converting the other way? Use the Watts to BTU per Hour converter.
Frequently asked questions
How many watts is one BTU per hour?
One BTU per hour is 0.293071 watts.
How do I convert BTU per hour to watts?
Multiply the value in BTU per hour by 0.293071. For example, 12,000 BTU/h × 0.293071 = 3,516.85 W.
What is 5,000 BTU/h in watts?
5,000 BTU/h is 1,465.36 watts.
How do I convert watts to BTU per hour?
Multiply watts by 3.412142 (or divide by 0.293071). You can also use our Watts to BTU per Hour converter.
How many watts does a 10,000 BTU air conditioner use?
A 10,000 BTU/h air conditioner removes about 2,930 W of heat, but it draws much less electricity — typically around 800 to 1,000 W — because it moves heat rather than creating it. Check the unit's label for its actual power draw.
Conversions use the internationally agreed definitions of each unit (for example, 1 inch = 2.54 cm exactly) and are rounded for display. Volume converters use US customary units unless stated otherwise.
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