Convert BTU/hr, watts, kW and horsepower to find equivalent heating or power output in any supported unit, including W and hp, instantly.
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BTU Per Hour Formula
The calculator converts between BTU per hour, watts, kilowatts, and mechanical horsepower. It uses watts as the base unit, then converts the result to the other units.
- BTU/hr = British thermal units per hour, a unit commonly used for heat output or cooling capacity
- W = watts
- kW = kilowatts
- hp = mechanical horsepower
- 3.412141633 = BTU/hr per watt
- 745.6998715822702 = watts per mechanical horsepower
If you enter BTU/hr, the calculator first converts BTU/hr to watts, then uses watts to find horsepower. If you enter watts or kilowatts, it converts the value to base watts, then calculates BTU/hr and horsepower. If you enter horsepower, it converts horsepower to watts, then calculates BTU/hr.
Common BTU/hr, Watt, and Horsepower Conversions
Use these values as quick reference points when checking a result.
| Watts | Kilowatts | BTU/hr | Horsepower |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 W | 0.1 kW | 341.2142 BTU/hr | 0.134102 hp |
| 500 W | 0.5 kW | 1,706.0708 BTU/hr | 0.670511 hp |
| 1,000 W | 1 kW | 3,412.1416 BTU/hr | 1.341022 hp |
| 2,000 W | 2 kW | 6,824.2833 BTU/hr | 2.682044 hp |
| 5,000 W | 5 kW | 17,060.7082 BTU/hr | 6.705110 hp |
Typical Uses for BTU/hr Ratings
| Rating Type | Common Unit | What It Usually Describes |
|---|---|---|
| Air conditioner capacity | BTU/hr | How much heat the unit can remove per hour |
| Electric heater output | W, kW, or BTU/hr | How quickly electrical power is converted to heat |
| Engine or motor power | hp or W | Mechanical power output, not necessarily heat output |
Example Calculations
Example 1: Convert 1,500 watts to BTU/hr and horsepower
Given:
- W = 1,500
Convert watts to BTU/hr:
Convert watts to horsepower:
So, 1,500 W is about 5,118.2124 BTU/hr and 2.0115 hp.
Example 2: Convert 12,000 BTU/hr to watts and horsepower
Given:
- BTU/hr = 12,000
Convert BTU/hr to watts:
Convert watts to horsepower:
So, 12,000 BTU/hr is about 3,516.8528 W, or 3.5169 kW, and 4.7162 hp.
FAQ
What is BTU per hour?
BTU per hour, written as BTU/hr, is a rate of heat transfer. One BTU is the amount of heat needed to raise one pound of water by about 1 degree Fahrenheit. BTU/hr tells you how many BTUs are added or removed in one hour.
How many BTU/hr are in 1 watt?
1 watt equals 3.412141633 BTU/hr. For a quick estimate, you can use 1 W ≈ 3.412 BTU/hr.
Is horsepower the same as BTU/hr?
No. Horsepower is a unit of power, often used for mechanical output. BTU/hr is also a power rate, but it is commonly used for heating and cooling. They can be converted through watts, but the practical meaning depends on the system. For example, motor horsepower is not always the same as heat delivered to a room because efficiency and losses may matter.