Convert British thermal units to kilocalories
Converting British thermal units to kilocalories is a common energy task, whether you are checking a recipe, a spec sheet, a travel distance or a homework problem. Since 1 BTU equals 0.252164 kcal, the math is a single multiplication — and this page does it for you instantly, with the formula, a table of common values and answers to the questions people ask most.
Exact factor
How to convert British thermal units to kilocalories
To convert British thermal units to kilocalories, multiply the number of British thermal units by 0.252164. For example, 10 BTU × 0.252164 = 2.52164 kcal.
kcal = BTU × 0.252164
- Write down the value in British thermal units you want to convert.
- Multiply it by 0.252164 (the exact BTU→kcal factor).
- The result is your value in kilocalories. Check it below with the converter or the table.
Conversion table
Common values of British thermal units and their equivalents in kilocalories:
| BTU | kcal |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.252164 |
| 2 | 0.504329 |
| 3 | 0.756493 |
| 4 | 1.00866 |
| 5 | 1.26082 |
| 10 | 2.52164 |
| 20 | 5.04329 |
| 25 | 6.30411 |
| 50 | 12.6082 |
| 100 | 25.2164 |
| 250 | 63.0411 |
| 500 | 126.082 |
About these units
British Thermal Unit (BTU). A British thermal unit is the energy to raise one pound of water by 1 °F, about 1,055 joules. Air conditioners, heaters and grills in the US are rated in BTU.
Kilocalorie (kcal). A kilocalorie equals 1,000 small calories and is the 'Calorie' seen on food labels. An adult needs roughly 2,000–2,500 kcal per day, depending on activity.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert British thermal units to kilocalories?
To convert British thermal units to kilocalories, multiply the number of British thermal units by 0.252164. For example, 10 BTU × 0.252164 = 2.52164 kcal. Or skip the math: type the value into the converter at the top of this page and the result updates instantly.
How many kilocalories are in 1 british thermal unit?
1 BTU = 0.252164 kcal. That is the fixed relationship used by this converter and by international standards.
How many British thermal units are in 1 kilocalorie?
1 kcal = 3.96567 BTU. If you are converting in the opposite direction, use our Kilocalorie to British Thermal Unit converter for the dedicated table and FAQ.
Is the British thermal units to kilocalories conversion exact?
Yes. Both units are defined by international agreement, so the factor of 0.252164 is exact. Displayed results are rounded to 6 significant digits only for readability.
What is british thermal unit used for?
A British thermal unit is the energy to raise one pound of water by 1 °F, about 1,055 joules. Air conditioners, heaters and grills in the US are rated in BTU.