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Air Conditioner BTU Calculator

Size a window or portable AC for one room — area, ceilings, sun, people and kitchen — using the EnergyStar rule of thumb, with the matching off-the-shelf unit, running cost, and a downloadable PDF.

Based on the DOE / EnergyStar room guideline of ~20 BTU per sq ft with adjustments. Great for room AC; a Manual J is what sizes central systems. For planning purposes only.

Room & Conditions
1 Room Size
ft
×
ft
ft
ppl
sq ft
Length × width. Edit to enter a known room area.
2 Room Conditions
Adds 600 BTU for each person over 2, and scales for ceilings above 8 ft. Set those in Room Size above.
3 Efficiency & Running Cost
EER
Higher EER = less power for the same cooling. Modern units are ~10-15.
$/kWh
hr/day
BTU Estimate
Recommended AC Unit
Enter your room to begin
Calculated Load
Power Draw
Est. Monthly Cost
Cooling Load Estimate
Base load area x 20
Ceiling adjustment
Sun exposure
Occupants over 2
Kitchen
Calculated load
RECOMMENDED UNIT
Room Area
Energy Use
Cost / Day
Monthly Cost By Efficiency
Running cost for your unit, by EER rating
Efficiency Comparison — Your Unit
EERPower (W)kWh / moCost / mo

For a 8,000 BTU unit at 8 hr/day. A higher EER pays back over the years.