kWh to BTU
Convert kilowatt-hours to BTU with the exact factor (1 kWh = 3412.14 BTU), a quick reference table, and common energy-use examples.
kWh to BTU formula
To convert kilowatt-hours (kWh) to BTU, multiply by 3412.14. One kWh = 3.6 MJ, and 1 BTU = 1055.06 J, so 3,600,000 / 1055.06 = 3412.14 BTU.
Quick reference: kWh to BTU
Common values
1 kWh = 3412.1 BTU
5 kWh = 17060.7 BTU
10 kWh = 34121.4 BTU
100 kWh = 341214 BTU
Worked example
Convert 1 kWh to BTU:
1 kWh × 3412.14 = 3412.14 BTU
So 1 kWh is about 3412 BTU.
Why convert kWh to BTU?
Electricity bills use kWh, while HVAC equipment in the US is sized in BTU. This conversion helps you compare energy use to equipment capacity.
You can also use our calculator or read the paired guide BTU reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many BTU are in a kWh?
1 kWh = 3412.14 BTU.
How do I convert 10 kWh to BTU?
10 kWh × 3412.14 = 34,121.4 BTU.
Why compare kWh and BTU?
Power bills use kWh, but US heaters and AC units are rated in BTU, so the conversion links cost to capacity.
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Quick Summary
kWh to BTU uses a single exact factor. Use the formula above or the reference table for quick, accurate results.
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Disclaimer
Unit conversions on this site use internationally recognized, fixed conversion factors (for example, 1 inch = 2.54 cm, 1 pound = 0.45359237 kg, 1 °F = (°C × 9/5) + 32). They are provided for general, informational, and educational use. For applications where accuracy is critical — such as medical dosing, engineering, scientific research, trade, or legal compliance — always verify results against authoritative sources such as the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the official International System of Units (SI) brochure, and follow any applicable local standards.
Exact Constants & Authoritative Sources
Every conversion on this page uses the fixed, internationally agreed constants below — drawn from NIST and the SI Brochure. No values are estimated or rounded as if exact. See the full list on our Sources & Standards page.
- EXACT1 mechanical horsepower (hp) = 745.6998715823 watts (exact, 550 ft·lbf/s)
- EXACT1 British thermal unit, IT (Btu) = 1055.05585262 joules (exact)
- EXACT1 Btu/h = 0.293071070172 watts (exact, Btu ÷ 3600 s)
- EXACT1 watt (W) = 1 joule per second (definition)
Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
Mechanical hp vs. metric hp
Mechanical hp = 745.7 W. Metric (PS) hp = 735.5 W and electrical hp = 746 W. Engine specs may use any of these; always check which.
Btu IT vs. thermochemical
UnitFig uses the IT Btu (1055.05585262 J). The thermochemical Btu (1054.35 J) is ~0.07% smaller and used in some chemistry contexts — keep them separate.
A unit-conversion reference site has no manufacturer-specific or device calibration parameters, so "layered tuning" does not apply here. The only real error-handling is input validation: the converter rejects non-numeric, empty, or out-of-range entries and shows a clear message, then falls back to exact constants above. No estimated or rounded figures are ever presented as exact.
Authoritative sources for this page
- NIST (U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology) — NIST SP 330 — The International System of Units (SI), 2019 edition
- BIPM (International Bureau of Weights and Measures) — SI Brochure — The International System of Units (9th edition)
Last Updated 2026 | This article was reviewed for accuracy