Cooling Capacity Calculation: kW, Ton & BTU/h
Cooling Capacity Conversion Table
| Tons | BTU/h | kW | kcal/h | Room Size (Moderate) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 6,000 | 1.76 | 1,513 | 200–300 sq ft |
| 1.0 | 12,000 | 3.52 | 3,025 | 400–600 sq ft |
| 1.5 | 18,000 | 5.27 | 4,538 | 600–900 sq ft |
| 2.0 | 24,000 | 7.03 | 6,051 | 800–1,200 sq ft |
| 2.5 | 30,000 | 8.79 | 7,563 | 1,000–1,500 sq ft |
| 3.0 | 36,000 | 10.55 | 9,076 | 1,200–1,800 sq ft |
| 4.0 | 48,000 | 14.07 | 12,101 | 1,600–2,400 sq ft |
| 5.0 | 60,000 | 17.59 | 15,127 | 2,000–3,000 sq ft |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calculate cooling capacity?
Cooling capacity (BTU/h) = Floor area × Cooling index × Correction factors. The cooling index depends on climate zone: 20 BTU/sq ft (moderate) to 30 BTU/sq ft (hot). Correction factors for insulation, windows, orientation, and ceiling height.
What is 1 ton of cooling in kW?
1 ton of cooling = 3.517 kW of cooling capacity. This is the heat removal rate, not electrical consumption. A 1-ton AC with SEER 16 consumes only 0.75 kW of electricity to provide 3.517 kW of cooling.
How many BTU is 5kW cooling?
5 kW × 3,412 BTU/kW = 17,060 BTU/h, which equals approximately 1.42 tons of cooling. This is roughly right for a 600–800 sq ft room in moderate climate.
Disclaimer: For preliminary design only. Verify against local codes and professional engineering requirements.