AC tonnage calculator

Rough sizing: 10 sqft per 1000 BTU/hr for an average room. Adjust upward for sun exposure, high ceilings, kitchen heat, and extra people. 1 ton AC ≈ 12,000 BTU/hr.

Recommended AC tonnage
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Room volume
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Approx. capacity (kW)
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Common AC tonnages

  • 0.75 ton (9,000 BTU): up to 80 sqft
  • 1.0 ton (12,000 BTU): 80–120 sqft
  • 1.5 ton (18,000 BTU): 120–180 sqft — most common bedroom size
  • 2.0 ton (24,000 BTU): 180–240 sqft — large living room
  • 2.5+ ton: 240+ sqft / open plan

Going up one tonnage costs more upfront but cools faster. Inverter ACs handle larger spaces more efficiently because they modulate compressor speed.