Calculate exact BTU requirements and AC tonnage with our advanced calculator. Includes climate adjustments, energy efficiency analysis, and cost optimization for Indian homes.
Advanced algorithm considers room size, occupancy, climate, insulation, and heat sources for accurate BTU requirements
Specialized adjustments for Indian climate zones from hot-dry Rajasthan to humid coastal regions
Instant electricity cost estimates and energy efficiency recommendations to optimize your AC investment
Calculate exact BTU requirements and AC tonnage with climate-specific adjustments, insulation factors, and comprehensive load analysis for accurate AC sizing.
Enter your room details to get precise BTU requirements, tonnage recommendations, and cost estimates.
Complete guide showing the perfect AC tonnage for different room sizes with real-world examples and power consumption details.
Rooms with >10 ft ceiling need higher tonnage
More windows increase heat load by 10-15%
South/West facing rooms need 20% more capacity
Each person adds ~500 BTU heat load
TV, computers add 5-10% to cooling load
Poor insulation increases capacity need by 30%
Understanding AC tonnage is crucial for optimal cooling, energy efficiency, and cost savings. Learn everything about choosing the right air conditioner capacity.
AC tonnage refers to the cooling capacity of an air conditioner, measured in tons of refrigeration. One ton equals 12,000 BTU/hour - the amount of heat required to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours.
Modern inverter ACs can modulate their capacity between 30-100% of rated tonnage, making them more flexible and energy-efficient compared to fixed-speed units.
Consider future changes like additional furniture, electronics, or room modifications when selecting AC tonnage. It's better to have slightly higher capacity than insufficient cooling.
Remember: Always use our calculator and consider all factors rather than relying solely on room area. Professional assessment is recommended for complex installations.
Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab
Add 15-20% extra capacity for extreme temperatures (45°C+)
Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai
Focus on dehumidification; standard tonnage sufficient
Bangalore, Pune, Delhi
Standard calculations apply; consider seasonal variations
Shimla, Ooty, Darjeeling
Lower tonnage needed; focus on air circulation
Use this comprehensive chart to determine the perfect AC capacity for your room size. Choose the right tonnage for optimal cooling efficiency and energy savings.
| Room Size (sq ft) | AC Tonnage | BTU/hr | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80-120 | 0.75 Ton | 9,000 | 100 sq ft |
| 120-180 | 1.0 Ton | 12,000 | 150 sq ft |
| 180-250 | 1.5 Ton | 18,000 | 200 sq ft |
| 250-350 | 2.0 Ton | 24,000 | 300 sq ft |
| 350-450 | 2.5 Ton | 30,000 | 400 sq ft |
| 450-550 | 3.0 Ton | 36,000 | 500 sq ft |
For rooms with high sun exposure, top floors, or poor insulation, consider choosing the next higher tonnage for better cooling performance.
Choosing the right tonnage ensures optimal energy efficiency. Oversized ACs consume more power and undersized ones work harder.
Understand the relationship between AC tonnage, BTU rating, power consumption, and room coverage for informed AC selection decisions.
BTU (British Thermal Unit) measures cooling capacity - higher BTU means more cooling power
| Tonnage | BTU/hr | Approx. Watts | Room Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 Ton | 6,000 | 1,500 | 50-80 sq ft |
| 0.75 Ton | 9,000 | 2,250 | 80-120 sq ft |
| 1.0 Ton | 12,000 | 3,000 | 120-180 sq ft |
| 1.5 Ton | 18,000 | 4,500 | 180-250 sq ft |
| 2.0 Ton | 24,000 | 6,000 | 250-350 sq ft |
| 2.5 Ton | 30,000 | 7,500 | 350-450 sq ft |
| 3.0 Ton | 36,000 | 9,000 | 450-550 sq ft |
1 Ton = 12,000 BTU/hr. BTU measures the amount of heat an AC can remove per hour from your room.
Actual power consumption varies by efficiency rating. 5-star ACs consume 30-40% less power than 3-star models.
Consider ceiling height, insulation, windows, and heat sources when selecting AC capacity for your room.
Learn how various factors affect your room's cooling requirements and calculate the precise AC tonnage needed for optimal comfort.
Room Area × 25 BTU/sq ft
Foundation calculation
+10% for >10ft ceiling
Higher ceiling = more volume
+15% for south/west facing
Direct sunlight increases heat
+20% for poor insulation
Heat transfer through walls
+600 BTU per large window
Glass allows heat entry
+400 BTU per person
Body heat generation
+500-1500 BTU per appliance
Electronic heat generation
+10% for top floor rooms
Roof heat absorption
• Rule of Thumb: 20-25 BTU per sq ft for well-insulated rooms
• Climate Factor: Add 10-15% in hot climates like Delhi, Chennai
• Safety Margin: Choose next higher tonnage if calculation is borderline
• Energy Efficiency: Properly sized AC runs efficiently and saves power
Choose the right star rating for your AC tonnage to maximize energy savings. Higher star ratings mean lower electricity bills and better environmental impact.
Based on ISEER (Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio)
800-900 kWh
₹800-900
900-1100 kWh
₹900-1100
1100-1300 kWh
₹1100-1300
1300-1500 kWh
₹1300-1500
1500+ kWh
₹1500+
5-Star vs 3-Star AC comparison
5-Star Power
900W
3-Star Power
1200W
Annual Savings with 5-Star
₹3,600/year
5-Star Power
1350W
3-Star Power
1800W
Annual Savings with 5-Star
₹5,400/year
5-Star Power
1800W
3-Star Power
2400W
Annual Savings with 5-Star
₹7,200/year
5-star ACs reduce carbon footprint by 30-40% compared to lower-rated models
Higher upfront cost of 5-star ACs pays back in 2-3 years through energy savings
Look for Bureau of Energy Efficiency labels for verified star ratings and efficiency
Detailed technical specifications to help you understand AC performance parameters and installation requirements for different tonnage ratings.
| Tonnage | Cooling Capacity | Power Consumption | Current Rating | Refrigerant | Airflow (CFM) | Noise Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 Ton | 3.5 kW (12,000 BTU/hr) | 900-1200W | 4-5A | R32/R410A | 550-650 CFM | 38-42 dB |
| 1.5 Ton | 5.25 kW (18,000 BTU/hr) | 1350-1800W | 6-8A | R32/R410A | 750-850 CFM | 40-44 dB |
| 2.0 Ton | 7.0 kW (24,000 BTU/hr) | 1800-2400W | 8-10A | R32/R410A | 950-1100 CFM | 42-46 dB |
2.4 meters (8 feet)
Proper air circulation and comfort
2.1-2.4 meters from floor
Optimal cooling distribution
30cm all sides, 60cm front
Heat dissipation and maintenance
Max 15-20 meters
Efficiency and refrigerant pressure
Dedicated 16A MCB
Safety and stable power supply
Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio - measures cooling efficiency across different temperature conditions
Higher ISEER = Better Efficiency
R32 is more eco-friendly with lower Global Warming Potential than R410A
R32 Preferred for Environment
Indoor unit noise should be below 45 dB for comfortable operation
Lower dB = Quieter Operation
Expert answers to common questions about BTU calculations, AC tonnage selection, and energy efficiency for optimal cooling performance in Indian conditions.
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