Cooling Ton and BTU Converter

Need to convert between cooling tons and BTU/hour? Whether you’re comparing AC units or specifying HVAC equipment, our calculator makes these conversions instant and effortless. Just enter your value in either tons or BTUs to get the equivalent measurement, along with a handy reference guide for common sizes. Perfect for contractors, engineers, and homeowners working with air conditioning specifications.

Cooling Ton and BTU Converter

Cooling Tons:

Quick Reference

Tons	BTU/hr
1	12,000
2	24,000
3	36,000
4	48,000
5	60,000

About These Units

1 ton of cooling = 12,000 BTU per hour

This measurement comes from the cooling power needed to melt one ton of ice over 24 hours.

Basic Concepts

A cooling ton originated from the amount of heat energy needed to melt one ton of ice over 24 hours. Today, it remains the standard measurement for air conditioning capacity in commercial and industrial applications. One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTUs (British Thermal Units) per hour of cooling capacity.

Understanding the relationship between these units is crucial for proper HVAC system specification, comparison, and installation. BTUs are commonly used in residential applications, while tonnage is more prevalent in commercial and industrial settings.

Common Applications

Residential Use

Most home air conditioners range from 1.5 to 5 tons of cooling capacity. A typical 2,000-square-foot home might require a 3.5-ton unit, depending on various factors such as climate, insulation, and window coverage. Residential equipment specifications often list both BTUs and tons, though BTUs are more commonly used in consumer marketing.

Commercial Applications

Commercial systems typically start at 5 tons and can go up to hundreds of tons for large buildings. These systems often combine multiple units to achieve the required cooling capacity. Engineers and contractors typically work in tons when specifying commercial equipment, making conversion essential for proper system design.

Using the Cooling Ton and BTU Converter

Converting Tons to BTUs

To convert cooling tons to BTUs, multiply the tonnage by 12,000. For example:

2 tons = 24,000 BTUs/hour
3.5 tons = 42,000 BTUs/hour
5 tons = 60,000 BTUs/hour

Converting BTUs to Tons

To convert BTUs to cooling tons, divide the BTU rating by 12,000. For example:

36,000 BTUs = 3 tons
48,000 BTUs = 4 tons
90,000 BTUs = 7.5 tons

Practical Applications

System Sizing

When sizing an air conditioning system, start with a BTU calculation based on space requirements, then convert to tons if needed for equipment selection. Consider factors such as:

Room dimensions
Insulation quality
Window exposure
Occupancy levels
Heat-generating equipment

Equipment Comparison

Different manufacturers may list capacities in different units. Use the converter to standardize specifications when comparing equipment options. Remember that efficiency ratings (SEER, EER) are separate from capacity measurements.

Industry Standards

Residential Standards

Home air conditioners typically come in half-ton increments from 1.5 to 5 tons. Standard residential sizes include:

1.5 tons (18,000 BTUs)
2 tons (24,000 BTUs)
2.5 tons (30,000 BTUs)
3 tons (36,000 BTUs)
3.5 tons (42,000 BTUs)
4 tons (48,000 BTUs)
5 tons (60,000 BTUs)

Commercial Standards

Commercial equipment often starts where residential sizes end, typically offering:

5-10 tons for small commercial
10-30 tons for medium commercial
30-60 tons for large commercial
60+ tons for industrial applications

Enjoyed this Cooling Ton and BTU Converter? Then be sure to check out our other cooling guides.

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