BTU Calculator
Calculate the required BTU (British Thermal Units) for heating or cooling a room based on size, insulation, and other factors. This helps determine the appropriate capacity for air conditioners, heaters, and other HVAC equipment.
Required BTU: 0
| Room Area | 0 sq ft |
|---|---|
| Room Volume | 0 cu ft |
| Base BTU Requirement | 0 BTU |
| Occupant Adjustment | 0 BTU |
| Appliance Adjustment | 0 BTU |
Recommended AC Unit Size
Based on your calculation, we recommend an air conditioner with 0 BTU capacity.
About BTU Calculator
BTU (British Thermal Unit) is a unit of heat defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. In HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), BTU is used to measure the heating or cooling capacity of equipment.
How to Calculate BTU Requirements
To calculate the BTU requirements for a room:
- Calculate the room volume (length × width × height)
- Multiply by the base BTU factor based on room type
- Adjust for insulation quality (poor insulation requires more BTU)
- Adjust for sun exposure (more sun requires more cooling BTU)
- Add 600 BTU per person in the room
- Add BTU for heat-generating appliances
Why BTU Calculation Matters
Proper BTU calculation ensures you select HVAC equipment with the right capacity. An undersized unit will struggle to maintain temperature, while an oversized unit will cycle on and off too frequently, reducing efficiency and comfort. The correct BTU rating provides optimal performance and energy efficiency.
Common BTU Ratings
Here are typical BTU ratings for common air conditioner sizes:
- 5,000 BTU: Small room (100-150 sq ft)
- 8,000 BTU: Medium room (250-300 sq ft)
- 12,000 BTU: Large room (400-500 sq ft)
- 18,000 BTU: Very large room (600-800 sq ft)
- 24,000 BTU+: Multiple rooms or open floor plans