BTU and tonnage converter

Our converter turns the 12,000 BTU per ton relationship into actionable HVAC sizing guidance. Enter tonnage to reveal cooling capacity, or paste a BTU value from a brochure to see the equivalent tonnage and estimated coverage area. The calculator keeps your workflow aligned with the main AC BTU calculator and the multi-room planner.

Why this converter matters

Load calculations live in BTU, while equipment shopping often happens in tonnage. Without a reliable translation, it is easy to accept oversized or undersized proposals. This page explains how to use the converter, when to check manufacturer data, and how to integrate the results with other ACCalculator tools and guides, including the BTU myths article that dispels common oversizing advice.

Data you should gather

  1. The BTU recommendation from the sizing summary or the planner.
  2. Nameplate or AHRI data for the equipment you are considering. Capture nominal BTU, model number, SEER2, and EER ratings.
  3. Design temperature assumptions from the climate load adjuster if you are testing multiple weather scenarios.
  4. Any power supply limitations, such as dedicated circuits for window or portable AC units, so you can check compatibility after converting.

Using the converter in practice

  1. Enter the tonnage listed in a proposal to confirm the BTU capacity. Compare that number to the comfort range from the main calculator.
  2. Paste a BTU value from a specification sheet to see the tonnage the contractor should deliver. Note the difference between nominal and rated capacities; variable speed systems can modulate above or below nominal at certain outdoor temperatures.
  3. Record the results inside the heat pump sizing checklist so you can revisit your notes during follow-up calls.
  4. Share the converted values with your installer, along with links to the planner and adjuster, to demonstrate that your load calculations are grounded in real assumptions.

Example conversions

If the planner recommends 27,500 BTU for a bedroom suite, the converter reports 2.3 tons. That tells you to review both 2.0 and 2.5 ton equipment. When a ductless brochure lists a 30,000 BTU system, entering that number immediately shows it equals 2.5 tons, helping you verify whether it comfortably covers the target BTU plus the 10 percent comfort range.

For portable systems, a 14,000 BTU nameplate translates to 1.17 tons. Comparing that to the main calculator output ensures you avoid undersizing in high-gain rooms covered in the window and portable AC playbook.

Interpreting results responsibly

The converter assumes the industry standard of 12,000 BTU per ton, but real-world performance also depends on system efficiency and airflow. Always consider duct design, latent load, and equipment turndown. The climate adjuster can reveal whether design temperatures push your chosen system outside its comfort range. When in doubt, request an AHRI matched system report from your contractor and compare the listed BTU rating against the numbers produced here.

Pairing with other ACCalculator resources

Converting numbers is only useful when you document them. File your results alongside the room-by-room worksheet for each zone and attach the BTU myths article to email threads to keep everyone aligned on right-sizing. The converter page includes quick links back to the planner so you can re-run loads before signing a contract.

Frequently asked questions

Does this converter handle heating loads?

The calculator focuses on cooling capacity. For heat pumps, request both heating and cooling ratings, then log the heating numbers in the heat pump checklist. Many heat pumps provide different tonnage equivalents in heating mode, especially below design temperature.

What about dual-stage or variable-speed systems?

Enter the nominal capacity to anchor conversations. If a contractor supplies minimum and maximum capacities, convert all three values, then run the adjuster to confirm the system modulates enough at your design temperature.

Can I use this for commercial projects?

The converter is perfect for quick sanity checks, but commercial projects often require detailed engineering. Use the tool for early planning, then partner with a mechanical engineer to finalize selections.

Action plan

Convert at least two proposals today, log the values in your project worksheet, then send stakeholders a link to the five-step how-to guide. Following the same workflow protects comfort, energy efficiency, and budgets.