How to Convert BTU to KW

British Thermal Unit (BTU) is usually used as unit of thermal energy. However, when used to describe the power of heating systems or grills the term BTU is understood to mean BTU/hour. The kilowatt (KW) is the metric unit of power. Conversion between the two requires the use of a conversion factor.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Pencil
• Calculator (optional)

Instructions

1. Write down the BTU value in question. Be sure that the BTU value in question is a measurement of power. For an example, take a furnace that has a maximum output of 240,000 BTU.

2. Take the conversion rate between them. This is 1 BTU = 0.0002931 KW. Rewritten it is 0.0002931 KW / 1 BTU = 1

3. Multiply your BTU value by the conversion rate 0.0002931 KW / 1 BTU. Continuing the example, 240,000 BTU * 0.000293 KW / 1 BTU = 70.32 KW. The example boiler furnace would have a maximum output of 70.32 KW.

Tips & Warnings

• Always check that the units cancel properly when doing a conversion.