Why is there a small difference between Btu (th)/second and Btu (IT)/second?

The difference arises from their definitions: Btu (th) uses the thermochemical British thermal unit, while Btu (IT) uses the International Table British thermal unit, which have slightly different energy contents.

Can I use this conversion for HVAC system design?

Yes, this conversion helps ensure consistency in heat transfer measurements when rating HVAC equipment or specifying boilers and heat exchangers.

Do I need to convert Btu (IT)/second to SI units after this conversion?

In many engineering contexts, especially those requiring international standards, converting Btu (IT)/second to watts or kilowatts may be necessary after this step.

How to Convert from Btu (th)/second to Btu (IT)/second

Learn how to convert power units from Btu (th)/second to Btu (IT)/second using this online converter. Understand the differences between thermochemical and International Table BTUs and apply conversions in HVAC, industrial heating, and engineering calculations.

Btu (th)/second [Btu (th)/s]

Btu (IT)/second [Btu/s]

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Btu (th)/second [Btu (th)/s] to Btu (IT)/second [Btu/s] Conversion Table

Btu (th)/second [Btu (th)/s]	Btu (IT)/second [Btu/s]

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.

Btu (th)/second [Btu (th)/s] to Btu (IT)/second [Btu/s] Conversion Table
Btu (th)/second [Btu (th)/s]	Btu (IT)/second [Btu/s]

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What Is This Tool?

This tool converts power units from Btu (th)/second, which measures thermal energy flow using the thermochemical British thermal unit, to Btu (IT)/second, based on the International Table British thermal unit. It helps ensure consistent heat transfer measurements across various engineering and HVAC applications.

How to Use This Tool?

Enter the power value in Btu (th)/second you want to convert
Select Btu (th)/second as the source unit and Btu (IT)/second as the target unit
Click convert to get the equivalent value in Btu (IT)/second
Use the results for HVAC design, boiler specifications, or engineering calculations

Key Features

Converts power units from Btu (th)/second to Btu (IT)/second accurately
Useful for HVAC equipment rating and industrial heating system specifications
Supports engineering and energy-balance calculations with BTU-based units
Browser-based and easy to use for quick conversions
Handles slight differences in BTU definitions for consistency

Examples

5 Btu (th)/second converts to approximately 4.9966549 Btu (IT)/second
10 Btu (th)/second converts to approximately 9.9933098 Btu (IT)/second

Common Use Cases

Rating HVAC equipment capacity such as furnaces and air conditioners
Specifying output of boilers and heat exchangers in building and industrial systems
Performing transient heat transfer calculations in energy-system tests and simulations
Sourcing BTU-based product literature for industrial heaters
Conducting energy-balance assessments in engineering

Tips & Best Practices

Always verify the units used in product documentation before conversion
Consider the slight difference between thermochemical and International Table BTUs in precise work
Use the conversion tool for consistency in heat transfer rate comparisons
Follow up with SI unit conversions if required for engineering standards

Limitations

The conversion factor differs slightly from 1 due to different BTU definitions
Accuracy depends on considering these differences in sensitive applications
Further conversion needed when switching to SI units such as watts or kilowatts

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there a small difference between Btu (th)/second and Btu (IT)/second?: The difference arises from their definitions: Btu (th) uses the thermochemical British thermal unit, while Btu (IT) uses the International Table British thermal unit, which have slightly different energy contents.
Can I use this conversion for HVAC system design?: Yes, this conversion helps ensure consistency in heat transfer measurements when rating HVAC equipment or specifying boilers and heat exchangers.
Do I need to convert Btu (IT)/second to SI units after this conversion?: In many engineering contexts, especially those requiring international standards, converting Btu (IT)/second to watts or kilowatts may be necessary after this step.

Key Terminology

Btu (th)/second: A power unit measuring heat transfer rate using one thermochemical British thermal unit per second.
Btu (IT)/second: A power unit representing one International Table British thermal unit per second.
British thermal unit (BTU): A traditional unit of heat defined differently in thermochemical and International Table forms to quantify energy transfer.

Quick Knowledge Check

What does Btu (th)/second measure?

Energy flow using the International Table British thermal unit

Thermal energy transfer rate using thermochemical British thermal unit

Electrical power in watts

Why convert Btu (th)/second to Btu (IT)/second?

To align units with electrical systems

To reconcile differences between thermochemical and International Table BTU definitions

To measure temperature instead of power

What is a common application of this conversion?

Sizing HVAC components and rating boilers

Measuring air speed

Calculating electrical resistance

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