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AC size calculator (BTU)

What size air conditioner a room needs, in BTU and tons, by area, sun and people.

  • Free
  • No sign-up
  • Works on any device

About AC size calculator (BTU)

Find the air conditioner size for a room from its area, sun exposure and occupants. A rough rule is about 20 BTU per square foot, with extra for sunny rooms, kitchens and each person beyond two. One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU per hour. Oversized units cool quickly but poorly dehumidify.

How to use AC size calculator (BTU)

  1. Enter the room area.
  2. Add the sun exposure and the number of people.
  3. Read the BTU and tons the room needs.

Why use this tool?

Also known as

Frequently asked questions

How many BTU do I need for 20 square metres?

About 7,000 to 9,000 BTU for an average room, more if it is sunny or has many people. Use the calculator for adjustments.

What happens if the air conditioner is too big?

An oversized unit cools quickly and shuts off before removing humidity, so the room can feel cold and damp. A well-sized unit runs longer and steadier.

What else changes the BTU I need?

Ceiling height, windows, insulation and heat from appliances all matter. Add some capacity for a kitchen or a very sunny room.

Is AC size calculator (BTU) free?

Yes. AC size calculator (BTU) on Toolipedia is free to use, with no sign-up and no watermark.

Is it safe to use?

Yes. Everything is worked out in your browser, and nothing you enter is sent to our server.

Does it work on my phone?

Yes. It works in any modern browser on Android and iPhone, as well as on tablets and computers. There's nothing to install.

Do I need an account?

No. Just open the page and use the tool. There's no sign-up and no email needed.

Can I put AC size calculator (BTU) on my own website?

Yes. Use the Embed on your site button under the tool to copy a short piece of code and paste it into your page. It is free, needs no account, and the tool keeps working inside your page.

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