BTU to Watts Conversion Table

Conversion Formula:

\[ W = \frac{Q}{3.412142} \]

Where:

\( W \) = Power in watts (W)
\( Q \) = Power in BTU per hour (BTU/hr)

BTU/hr	Watts (W)
100	29.31
200	58.61
300	87.92
400	117.23
500	146.54
600	175.84
700	205.15
800	234.46
900	263.76
1,000	293.07
1,100	322.38
1,200	351.69
1,300	380.99
1,400	410.30
1,500	439.61
1,600	468.91
1,700	498.22
1,800	527.53
1,900	556.83
2,000	586.14
2,100	615.45
2,200	644.76
2,300	674.06
2,400	703.37
2,500	732.68
2,600	761.98
2,700	791.29
2,800	820.60
2,900	849.91
3,000	879.21
3,100	908.52
3,200	937.83
3,300	967.13
3,400	996.44
3,500	1,025.75
3,600	1,055.06
3,700	1,084.36
3,800	1,113.67
3,900	1,142.98
4,000	1,172.28
4,100	1,201.59
4,200	1,230.90
4,300	1,260.21
4,400	1,289.51
4,500	1,318.82
4,600	1,348.13
4,700	1,377.43
4,800	1,406.74
4,900	1,436.05
5,000	1,465.36

1. Understanding BTU and Watts

BTU (British Thermal Unit) per hour and watts are both units of power. BTU/hr is commonly used in heating and cooling systems, while watts are the standard SI unit for power used in most electrical applications.

2. Conversion Formula

The conversion between BTU/hr and watts is based on the relationship:

\[ 1 \text{ BTU/hr} = 0.29307107 \text{ watts} \] \[ 1 \text{ watt} = 3.412142 \text{ BTU/hr} \]

The exact conversion formula is: \[ W = \frac{Q}{3.412142} \]

3. Practical Applications

This conversion is essential when:

Comparing heating/cooling system capacities with electrical power requirements
Sizing generators or power supplies for HVAC equipment
Converting between imperial and metric units in energy calculations
Calculating energy efficiency of appliances

4. How to Use This Table

Instructions: Locate the BTU/hr value in the left column to find the equivalent wattage in the right column. For values between those listed, use linear interpolation or the conversion formula.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the conversion factor not a round number?
A: The conversion is based on the exact definition of 1 BTU as the energy needed to raise 1 pound of water by 1°F, which doesn't convert neatly to metric units.

Q2: How accurate is this conversion?
A: The conversion factor is precise to 8 significant figures, more than sufficient for most practical applications.

Q3: Does this conversion work for both heating and cooling?
A: Yes, the conversion applies equally to heating and cooling capacities when expressed in BTU/hr.

Q4: What about other time units like BTU per minute?
A: First convert to BTU/hr (multiply BTU/min by 60), then use this conversion.

Q5: Are there different types of BTU?
A: For most practical purposes, the International Table BTU is used (the one in this conversion). Other definitions differ by less than 0.5%.