How Many BTU in a Kilowatt-Hour?
Quick Answer
There are 3,412 BTU in one kilowatt-hour.
1 kWh = 3,412 BTU
Understanding the Conversion
One kilowatt-hour (kWh) equals 3,412.14 British thermal units (BTU). This conversion is critical for heating/cooling calculations: HVAC systems are rated in BTU/hour, electricity bills in kWh. A 10,000 BTU air conditioner running for 1 hour uses 10,000/3,412 ≈ 2.93 kWh.
Formula
1 kWh = 3,412 BTU
Common Examples
| Description | Value |
|---|---|
| Average US home monthly electricity | 900 kWh = 3.07 million BTU |
| 10,000 BTU AC unit | 2.93 kWh per hour of operation |
| Natural gas: 1 therm | 100,000 BTU = 29.3 kWh |
Quick Reference Table
Use this table for quick conversions between kilowatt-hour and BTU:
| kilowatt-hour | BTU |
|---|---|
| 1 | 3,412 |
| 2 | 6,824 |
| 5 | 17,060 |
| 10 | 34,120 |
| 25 | 85,300 |
| 50 | 170,600 |
| 100 | 341,200 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many BTU in a Kilowatt-Hour?
There are 3,412 BTU in one kilowatt-hour. One kilowatt-hour (kWh) equals 3,412.14 British thermal units (BTU). This conversion is critical for heating/cooling calculations: HVAC systems are rated in BTU/hour, electricity bills in kWh. A 10,000 BTU air conditioner running for 1 hour uses 10,000/3,412 ≈ 2.93 kWh.
What is the formula to convert kilowatt-hour to BTU?
The formula is: 1 kWh = 3,412 BTU. To convert, multiply the number of kilowatt-hours by 3,412 to get the equivalent in BTU.
How do I convert BTU to kilowatt-hour?
To convert BTU to kilowatt-hour, divide the number of BTU by 3,412. For example, 17,060 BTU equals 5 kilowatt-hours.