Cooling power equal to 12,000 BTU/h.
Ton of refrigerations to Kilowatts Converter — TR to kW
Convert Ton of refrigeration (TR) to Kilowatt (kW) using the exact conversion factor (1 ton of refrigeration = 3.516852842 kilowatt). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Ton of refrigerations to Kilowatts 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.
Kilowatt is 1000 watt units.
Result = input x 3516.852842 / 1000.
Power units are compatible.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Ton of refrigerations to Kilowatts
Ton of refrigeration and Kilowatt 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. Specifically: Cooling power equal to 12,000 BTU/h, and kilowatt is 1000 watt units.
Formula
kilowatts = ton of refrigerations × 3.51685284207
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 ton of refrigeration equals 3516.85284207 base units, and 1 kilowatt equals 1000 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct ton of refrigeration-to-kilowatt factor of 3.51685284207.
Simple example
1 TR × 3.516852842 = 3.516852842 kW
1 ton of refrigeration = 3.516852842 kilowatts.
Real-world example
100 TR × 3.516852842 = 351.6852842 kW
100 ton of refrigerations = 351.6852842 kilowatts.
Conversion table
| Ton of refrigeration (TR) | Kilowatt (kW) |
|---|---|
| 1 TR | 3.516852842 kW |
| 10 TR | 35.16852842 kW |
| 50 TR | 175.8426421 kW |
| 100 TR | 351.6852842 kW |
| 500 TR | 1,758.426421 kW |
| 1,000 TR | 3,516.852842 kW |
Reverse conversion: Kilowatt to Ton of refrigeration
3.516852842 kW × 0.2843451361 = 1 TR
3.516852842 kilowatts = 1 ton of refrigerations.
ton of refrigerations = kilowatts × 0.284345136094
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Kilowatt to Ton of refrigeration.
Understanding the Ton of refrigeration (TR)
Cooling power equal to 12,000 BTU/h.
Understanding the Kilowatt
Kilowatt (kW) measures power. A kilowatt is 1,000 watts. It is classified as a SI derived (metric prefix) unit.
Where it's used: Standard power unit worldwide for larger appliances, vehicles, and electrical systems
Uses of the Kilowatt today
- Electric vehicle motor power ratings (alongside horsepower)
- Household electrical system and generator capacity
- Industrial motor and equipment power ratings
History of the Kilowatt
The kilowatt follows directly from the watt via the standard SI 'kilo-' prefix, becoming especially prominent with the growth of electrical power generation and distribution in the late 19th and 20th centuries.
Historical origin. Kilowatt was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Kilowatt — sources
- BIPM SI Brochure — SI prefixes — Defines 'kilo-' as the prefix for 10³.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many kilowatts are in 1 ton of refrigeration?
1 ton of refrigeration equals 3.516852842 kilowatts, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert ton of refrigeration to kilowatt?
Multiply the ton of refrigeration value by 3.516852842. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert kilowatt back to ton of refrigeration?
Use the reverse factor: 1 kilowatt equals 0.2843451361 ton of refrigerations. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a ton of refrigeration?
Ton of refrigeration (TR) is a unit of engineering.
What is a kilowatt?
Kilowatt (kW) measures power. A kilowatt is 1,000 watts. It is classified as a SI derived (metric prefix) unit.
Is the ton of refrigeration to kilowatt conversion exact?
Yes. Both ton of refrigeration and kilowatt are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 3.516852842 used above is exact to as many digits as you choose to display.
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.