How to convert british thermal units to kilocalories
To convert a measurement in british thermal units to kilocalories, multiply the value by 0.252164400722. The conversion factor comes from the relationship between both units and the joule.
For example, to convert 5 BTU to kilocalories: 5 × 0.252164400722 = 1.260822 kcal.
What is a british thermal unit?
A British thermal unit (BTU) is the energy needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit, about 1,055 joules. The BTU arose from imperial heating and steam engineering. It remains the dominant unit for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning capacity in the United States, where furnaces and air conditioners are rated in BTU.
Common uses of british thermal units include: Air conditioner and furnace ratings; Heating and cooling load calculations; Natural gas and fuel energy content; HVAC system sizing in the US.
What is a kilocalorie?
A kilocalorie equals 1,000 small calories, or exactly 4,184 joules, and is the 'Calorie' shown on food nutrition labels. The food Calorie (capital C) is actually a kilocalorie. This convention, established in nutrition science, means a 500-Calorie meal contains 500 kilocalories, or about 2,092 kilojoules.
Common uses of kilocalories include: Food energy (the dietary 'Calorie'); Metabolism and exercise burn estimates; Nutrition and diet planning; Bomb-calorimetry food testing.
British Thermal Units to kilocalories worked examples
Here are some common values converted:
1 BTU = 0.252164400722 kcal 5 BTU = 1.260822 kcal 10 BTU = 2.521644 kcal 50 BTU = 12.60822 kcal 100 BTU = 25.21644 kcal
Frequently asked questions
How many kilocalories are in one british thermal unit?
One british thermal unit (BTU) equals 0.252164400722 kilocalories (kcal). Multiply any value in british thermal units by 0.252164400722 to convert to kilocalories.
How do I convert british thermal units to kilocalories?
Multiply the value in british thermal units by 0.252164400722. For example, 5 BTU × 0.252164400722 = 1.260822 kcal.
How do I convert kilocalories to british thermal units?
Multiply the value in kilocalories by 3.965667, or divide by 0.252164400722. Use the swap button on the converter above to reverse the direction.
Is the british thermal unit to kilocalorie conversion exact?
The thermochemical calorie is defined as exactly 4.184 J and the BTU as 1055.056 J. Conversions between SI energy units are exact.
What is the formula for british thermal units to kilocalories?
The formula is: kcal = BTU × 0.252164400722. This comes from the definition of both units relative to the joule.