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Cooling Tool

BTU / kW Converter

Convert cooling capacity between kW, W, BTU/h, tons of refrigeration and kcal/h for technical rooms, data centers and HVAC planning notes.

Updated: June 7, 2026Planning reference

Quick Answer

Convert cooling units before comparing AC, CRAC, CRAH or project datasheets.

Enter one capacity value and source unit. The converter calculates equivalent kW, watts, BTU/h, refrigeration tons and kcal/h for documentation and sanity checks.

Cooling Input

Cooling capacity value

Enter one value and select the source unit. The converter calculates the equivalent values used in European, US and international cooling documentation.

Reference

1 kW = 3,412.14 BTU/h. 1 refrigeration ton = 12,000 BTU/h ≈ 3.517 kW.

Practical Reference

Common cooling capacities

Quick comparison values for technical-room planning and datasheet sanity checks.

Small split AC3.5 kW≈ 11,942 BTU/h
1 refrigeration ton3.52 kW12,000 BTU/h
Small IT room10 kW≈ 34,121 BTU/h
Medium technical room25 kW≈ 85,304 BTU/h

Formula / Method

What the converter does

The converter normalizes the input to kW first, then calculates watts, BTU/h, refrigeration tons and kcal/h using standard cooling-capacity conversion factors.

BTU/h = kW × 3,412.14

Inputs

Required inputs

Use the cooling capacity value from a datasheet, AC label, CRAC/CRAH unit, project note or cooling calculation, then select the source unit.

Uses

Where this helps

Useful for comparing European kW values with BTU/h datasheets, refrigeration-ton ratings, split AC units, HVAC notes and cooling documentation.

FAQ

Cooling conversion notes

Is BTU/h the same as cooling capacity?

In HVAC datasheets, BTU/h is commonly used as a cooling-capacity unit. It expresses heat removal rate over time.

Why does one refrigeration ton equal about 3.517 kW?

One refrigeration ton is conventionally defined as 12,000 BTU/h, which converts to approximately 3.517 kW.

Can this replace a cooling-load calculation?

No. This is a unit converter. Use it together with cooling-load calculations, equipment heat loads and HVAC design review.

Learn More

Reference links

Project

Need help validating cooling capacity?

ITCOREOPS can support cooling checks, rack power planning, structured cabling, technical-room documentation and operational handover.

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Disclaimer

Planning conversion only

This converter provides unit conversion for planning and documentation. It does not replace HVAC design, cooling-load calculation, manufacturer documentation, qualified engineering review or site-specific commissioning.

Workflow

Cooling units should be converted before comparing datasheets.

Use this converter before comparing AC units, CRAC/CRAH capacities, cooling-load results or project notes written in different units.

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Support

Need help with cooling or infrastructure planning?

For cooling checks, rack power, structured cabling and operational infrastructure support, visit ITCOREOPS.

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Feedback

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