Authoritative definitions of the International System of Units and SI prefixes.
Unit conversion
British thermal units to Kilocalories Converter
1 BTU ≈ 0.252164400813 kcal. Enter a value to convert BTU to kcal, then use the formula and table below. Displayed digits may be rounded.
Thermal unitsInstant result
Decimals
Formula result = input × 1055.055853 ÷ 4184. 1 BTU ≈ 0.2522 kcal
Nonzero results too small for the selected decimal places use scientific notation.
Nonzero results too small for the selected decimal places use scientific notation.
Common examples
One value, several units
Joules1,055.0559 J
Kilojoules1.0551 kJ
Calories252.1644 cal
Kilocalories0.2522 kcal
Therms1.00000e-5 thm
Conversion table
| BTU | kcal |
|---|---|
| 1 BTU | 0.2522 kcal |
| 2 BTU | 0.5043 kcal |
| 5 BTU | 1.2608 kcal |
| 10 BTU | 2.5216 kcal |
| 25 BTU | 6.3041 kcal |
| 50 BTU | 12.6082 kcal |
| 100 BTU | 25.2164 kcal |
Conversion chart
1 BTU0.2522 kcal
5 BTU1.2608 kcal
10 BTU2.5216 kcal
25 BTU6.3041 kcal
50 BTU12.6082 kcal
Worked example
1 BTU ≈ 0.252164400813 kcal. Apply the selected conversion formula to other input values.
Unit definition
British thermal units (BTU) One british thermal units equals 1,055.055853 joule.
Unit history
British thermal units is represented here using its modern SI definition or an internationally accepted relationship to an SI base unit.
Step by step
1. Parse the value, including fractions.
2. Convert BTU to joule.
3. Convert the base value to kcal and apply your display precision.
Understand the result before using it
British thermal units to Kilocalories converts a value measured in British thermal units (BTU) into the equivalent value in Kilocalories (kcal). The numerical value changes because the size and definition of the selected unit changes; the underlying quantity does not.
Calculated result
The conversion follows the displayed unit relationship. Display rounding can hide additional digits, and measured inputs cannot become more accurate merely by changing units.
Formula, assumptions, and example
Formula
result = input × 1055.055853 ÷ 4184
Assumptions
- British thermal units and Kilocalories represent the same thermal units quantity.
- The input is expressed in BTU; the output is expressed in kcal.
- The unit definitions and conventional relationship shown on this page apply.
Worked example
1 BTU ≈ 0.252164400813 kcal. For another value, apply the same relationship and round only to the precision your source measurement supports.
When to use it
Good uses
- Read a BTU measurement in a document that expects kcal.
- Compare a british thermal units value with a value reported in kilocalories.
- Check the BTU to kcal arithmetic before copying the result into another calculation.
Limitations
Common mistakes to avoid
- Do not confuse BTU with another unit that has a similar name or symbol.
- Round the output to a precision justified by the original measurement.
- Verify safety-critical, regulated, laboratory, and contractual conversions against the controlling standard.
Sources and further reading
These references explain the underlying standards or provide authoritative context. Your own contract, institution, clinician, product documentation, local code, or governing standard may be the controlling source.
Guidance on unit names, symbols, conversions, and numerical presentation.
Questions about this calculation
How do I convert British thermal units to Kilocalories?
result = input × 1055.055853 ÷ 4184. Input is in BTU; result is in kcal. 1 BTU ≈ 0.252164400813 kcal. The displayed digits may be rounded.
What is 1 BTU in kcal?
1 BTU ≈ 0.252164400813 kcal. The displayed digits may be rounded.
Can I reverse the BTU to kcal conversion?
Yes. Swap the source and target units in the converter. The reverse relationship converts kcal back to BTU.
Is the British thermal units to Kilocalories result exact?
The conversion follows the displayed unit relationship. Display rounding can hide additional digits, and measured inputs cannot become more accurate merely by changing units.