British thermal unit.
BTU to Kilojoules Converter — BTU to kJ
Convert BTU (BTU) to Kilojoule (kJ) using the exact conversion factor (1 btu = 1.055055853 kilojoule). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
BTU to Kilojoules converter
Converter
Engineering Converter
Convert common stress, force, torque, power, and energy units used in engineering.
Context values
Some unit families need one extra value for a physically accurate result.
Kilojoule is 1000 joule units.
Result = input x 1055.055853 / 1000.
Energy units are compatible.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting BTU to Kilojoules
BTU and Kilojoule both measure a quantity used in structural or mechanical engineering — commonly stress, pressure, force, torque, power, or energy — where converting between the unit conventions used in different regions, industries, or equipment specifications is a routine part of design work. BTU is most often used for air conditioner and furnace capacity ratings in the us.
Formula
kilojoules = btu × 1.05505585262
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 btu equals 1055.05585262 base units, and 1 kilojoule equals 1000 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct btu-to-kilojoule factor of 1.05505585262.
Simple example
1 BTU × 1.055055853 = 1.055055853 kJ
1 btu = 1.055055853 kilojoules.
Real-world example
100 BTU × 1.055055853 = 105.5055853 kJ
100 btu = 105.5055853 kilojoules.
Conversion table
| BTU (BTU) | Kilojoule (kJ) |
|---|---|
| 1 BTU | 1.055055853 kJ |
| 10 BTU | 10.55055853 kJ |
| 50 BTU | 52.75279263 kJ |
| 100 BTU | 105.5055853 kJ |
| 500 BTU | 527.5279263 kJ |
| 1,000 BTU | 1,055.055853 kJ |
Reverse conversion: Kilojoule to BTU
1.055055853 kJ × 0.9478171203 = 1 BTU
1.055055853 kilojoules = 1 btu.
btu = kilojoules × 0.947817120313
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Kilojoule to BTU.
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.
Understanding the Kilojoule (kJ)
Kilojoule is 1000 joule units.
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 kilojoules are in 1 btu?
1 btu equals 1.055055853 kilojoules, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert btu to kilojoule?
Multiply the btu value by 1.055055853. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert kilojoule back to btu?
Use the reverse factor: 1 kilojoule equals 0.9478171203 btu. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
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.
What is a kilojoule?
Kilojoule (kJ) is a unit of engineering.
Is the btu to kilojoule 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.
Where is the btu still used today?
United States (HVAC, heating, and appliance energy ratings)
Why do engineering unit conventions vary so much by region and industry?
Pressure, force, and stress can be expressed in metric (pascal, newton), US customary (psi, pound-force), or older and industry-specific units (atmosphere, torr, kip) depending on the country, industry, and even the equipment manufacturer, which is why engineers routinely need to convert between them when working across specs from different sources.