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BTU Calculator — Free Online Calculator with Step-by-Step Guide

Calculate the required BTUs for heating or cooling any room. Factors in climate zone, sun exposure, insulation, ceiling height, room type, and occupancy.

✓ Formula verified: January 2026

BTU Calculator

Results below

Enter Values

BTU/h Required
13,560 BTU/h

AC Size (Tons)

1.1 ton

Recommended AC Unit

1.5 ton (18,000 BTU/h)

BTU per sq ft

34 BTU/sq ft

Room Factors

Climate: Zone 1 — Hot | Ceiling: 8ft | Sun: minimal | Insulation: poor | Room: standard | People: 1 | Purpose: cooling

What if your room area (sq ft) changes? 360 → 12,264 BTU/h · 400 → 13,560 BTU/h · 440 → 14,856 BTU/h

Scenario Comparison

Conservative (5%)
$16,470.09
$6,470.09 interest
Your scenario (7%)
$20,096.61
$10,096.61 interest
Aggressive (10%)
$27,070.41
$17,070.41 interest
High-risk (14%)
$40,224.71
$30,224.71 interest
Best return
Share your result

BTU/h Required

13,560 BTU/h

BTU per sq ft: 34 BTU/sq ft

AC Recommendation

AC Size (Tons)

1.1 ton

Recommended AC Unit

1.5 ton (18,000 BTU/h)

6 tons max

Factor Breakdown

Area
400 sq ft
Climate Zone
Zone 1 — Hot(30 BTU/sq ft)
Ceiling Height
8 ft (1.0x)(1.00x)
Sun Exposure
Minimal (0.9x)(0.90x)
Insulation
Poor (1.2x)(1.20x)
Room Type
Standard (1.0x)(1.00x)
Occupants
1 people(+600 BTU/h)

BTU by Room Type

Standard (selected)13,560 BTU/h
Kitchen 15,504 BTU/h
Basement 11,616 BTU/h

Room Details

Climate: Zone 1 — Hot | Ceiling: 8ft | Sun: minimal | Insulation: poor | Room: standard | People: 1 | Purpose: cooling

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BTU/h Required: 13,560 BTU/h

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