What does watt per square meter measure?

It measures heat flux density, indicating the rate of heat transfer per unit area across a surface in the SI system.

Why convert watts per square meter to Btu (IT)/hour/square foot?

Because Btu (IT)/hour/ft² is commonly used in North American building codes and HVAC designs, making comparisons and calculations compatible with local standards.

Does this conversion work for all heat transfer types?

Yes, since watt per square meter quantifies conductive, convective, and radiative heat flux, the conversion applies broadly across these.

How to Convert from Watt/square meter [W/m^2] to Btu (IT)/hour/square foot?

Learn how to convert heat flux density values from watts per square meter to Btu (IT) per hour per square foot, essential for building energy modeling, HVAC design, and solar panel performance evaluations.

Watt/square meter [W/m^2]

Btu (IT)/hour/square foot

Please check your input. It must be a valid numeric value.

Watt/square meter [W/m^2] to Btu (IT)/hour/square foot Conversion Table

Watt/square meter [W/m^2]	Btu (IT)/hour/square foot

Custom Unit Conversion Table Generator – Instant Printable Conversion Tables

Start Value

Enter the starting number (positive decimal or integer ≥ 0). Example: 0.1, 1, 5.

End Value

Enter the ending number (positive decimal or integer > Start Value). Example: 10, 50, 100.

Interval

Enter the step size (positive decimal > 0 and < End Value – Start Value). Example: 1.0, 2.5.

Watt/square meter [W/m^2] to Btu (IT)/hour/square foot Conversion Table
Watt/square meter [W/m^2]	Btu (IT)/hour/square foot

Explore More Heat Flux Density Units Converter

What Is This Tool?

This unit converter translates heat flux density measurements from watt per square meter, the SI unit, into Btu (IT) per hour per square foot, used commonly in North America for thermal transmittance and heat transfer assessments.

How to Use This Tool?

Enter the heat flux density value in watts per square meter
Select the output unit as Btu (IT)/hour/square foot
Initiate the conversion to get the equivalent value instantly
Use the result for building energy modeling, HVAC calculations, or solar irradiance assessments

Key Features

Converts heat flux density from W/m² to Btu (IT)/hour/ft² instantly
Supports applications in building energy codes, HVAC design, and solar panel analysis
Uses the exact conversion factor between the two units
Browser-based and easy to use with clear input and output
Facilitates comparison between metric and imperial thermal measurements

Examples

Convert 10 watt/square meter (W/m²) to Btu (IT)/hour/square foot: 10 × 0.3169983306 = 3.169983306 Btu (IT)/hour/ft²
Convert 50 watt/square meter (W/m²) to Btu (IT)/hour/square foot: 50 × 0.3169983306 = 15.84991653 Btu (IT)/hour/ft²

Common Use Cases

Calculating solar irradiance for photovoltaic systems in imperial units
Determining heat loss or gain through building elements according to North American standards
Sizing HVAC equipment based on heat flux density
Comparing insulation performance by converting between U-values and R-values

Tips & Best Practices

Ensure all values entered match the heat flux density in watts per square meter
Confirm unit system consistency to prevent errors in calculations
Use this converter for quick and accurate switching between metric and imperial heat flux units
Apply converted values carefully in building or industrial heat transfer modeling

Limitations

Assumes the International Table Btu (IT) standard and consistent hour and area units
Minor discrepancies can occur if differing heat unit definitions are used
Nonstandard conditions may affect conversion accuracy
Users must verify unit compatibility when applying this conversion in thermal performance calculations

Frequently Asked Questions

What does watt per square meter measure?: It measures heat flux density, indicating the rate of heat transfer per unit area across a surface in the SI system.
Why convert watts per square meter to Btu (IT)/hour/square foot?: Because Btu (IT)/hour/ft² is commonly used in North American building codes and HVAC designs, making comparisons and calculations compatible with local standards.
Does this conversion work for all heat transfer types?: Yes, since watt per square meter quantifies conductive, convective, and radiative heat flux, the conversion applies broadly across these.

Key Terminology

Watt/square meter [W/m²]: SI unit of heat flux density measuring heat transfer rate per unit surface area.
Btu (IT)/hour/square foot: Imperial unit of heat flux density representing heat transfer per hour across one square foot.
Heat Flux Density: The measure of heat transfer rate per unit area of a surface.
U-value: Thermal transmittance quantifying heat transfer through building elements.
R-value: Measure of insulation effectiveness; reciprocal of the U-value.

Quick Knowledge Check

What is measured by watt per square meter (W/m²)?

Electrical power consumption per device

Heat flux density indicating rate of heat transfer per area

Temperature difference across a surface

For what purpose is converting W/m² to Btu (IT)/hour/ft² mainly used?

To convert temperatures between Celsius and Fahrenheit

To express heat flux in units used in North American building codes

To measure electrical resistance in materials

What kind of heat transfer does watt per square meter cover?

Only radiative heat transfer

Conductive, convective, and radiative heat transfer

Only convective heat transfer

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