Petajoule is 1000000000000000 joule units.
Petajoules to BTU Converter — PJ to BTU
Convert Petajoule (PJ) to BTU (BTU) using the exact conversion factor (1 petajoule = 947,817,120,300 btu). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Petajoules to BTU converter
Converter
Energy Converter
Convert joules, calories, kilowatt-hours, BTU, electronvolts, therms, and mechanical work units.
Context values
Some unit families need one extra value for a physically accurate result.
British thermal unit.
Result = input x 1e+15 / 1055.055853.
Energy uses the joule as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Petajoules to BTU
Petajoule and BTU both measure energy, and the conversion is especially useful for comparing nutrition labels (kilocalories) against scientific energy figures (joules). Specifically: Petajoule is 1000000000000000 joule units, and british thermal unit.
Formula
btu = petajoules × 947817120313
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 petajoule equals 1e+15 base units, and 1 btu equals 1055.05585262 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct petajoule-to-btu factor of 947817120313.
Simple example
1 PJ × 947817120300 = 947,817,120,300 BTU
1 petajoule = 947,817,120,300 btu.
Real-world example
100 PJ × 947817120300 = 9.478171e+13 BTU
100 petajoules = 9.478171e+13 btu.
Conversion table
| Petajoule (PJ) | BTU (BTU) |
|---|---|
| 1 PJ | 947,817,120,300 BTU |
| 10 PJ | 9.478171e+12 BTU |
| 100 PJ | 9.478171e+13 BTU |
| 500 PJ | 4.739086e+14 BTU |
| 1,000 PJ | 9.478171e+14 BTU |
| 2,000 PJ | 1.895634e+15 BTU |
Reverse conversion: BTU to Petajoule
1 BTU × 1.055056e-12 = 1.055056e-12 PJ
1 btu = 1.055056e-12 petajoules.
petajoules = btu × 1.055056e-12
For a page dedicated to this direction, see BTU to Petajoule.
Understanding the Petajoule (PJ)
Petajoule is 1000000000000000 joule units.
Understanding the BTU
BTU (BTU) measures energy. A British thermal unit is defined as exactly 1,055.05585262 joules (the International Table BTU). It is classified as a US customary unit.
Where it's used: United States (HVAC, heating, and appliance energy ratings)
Uses of the BTU today
- Air conditioner and furnace capacity ratings in the US
- Water heater and appliance energy specifications
- US energy industry (natural gas is often billed via BTU content)
History of the BTU
The BTU originated in 19th-century steam engineering as the heat needed to raise one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit, paralleling the calorie's metric definition. Several slightly different BTU values existed historically before the 'International Table' BTU was standardized at exactly 1,055.05585262 joules.
Historical origin. BTU was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
BTU — sources
- NIST Special Publication 811 — Documents the International Table BTU's exact joule equivalence.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many btu are in 1 petajoule?
1 petajoule equals 947,817,120,300 btu, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert petajoule to btu?
Multiply the petajoule value by 947817120300. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert btu back to petajoule?
Use the reverse factor: 1 btu equals 1.055056e-12 petajoules. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a petajoule?
Petajoule (PJ) is a unit of energy.
What is a btu?
BTU (BTU) measures energy. A British thermal unit is defined as exactly 1,055.05585262 joules (the International Table BTU). It is classified as a US customary unit.
Is the petajoule to btu conversion exact?
Yes. A British thermal unit is defined as exactly 1,055.05585262 joules (the International Table BTU). That fixed definition is what the converter above uses, so any rounding you see is a display choice, not a limitation of the math.