Convert British thermal units to joules
Converting British thermal units to joules 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 1,055.06 J, 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 joules
To convert British thermal units to joules, multiply the number of British thermal units by 1,055.06. For example, 10 BTU × 1,055.06 = 10,550.6 J.
J = BTU × 1,055.06
- Write down the value in British thermal units you want to convert.
- Multiply it by 1,055.06 (the exact BTU→J factor).
- The result is your value in joules. Check it below with the converter or the table.
Conversion table
Common values of British thermal units and their equivalents in joules:
| BTU | J |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1,055.06 |
| 2 | 2,110.11 |
| 3 | 3,165.17 |
| 4 | 4,220.22 |
| 5 | 5,275.28 |
| 10 | 10,550.6 |
| 20 | 21,101.1 |
| 25 | 26,376.4 |
| 50 | 52,752.8 |
| 100 | 105,506 |
| 250 | 263,764 |
| 500 | 527,528 |
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.
Joule (J). The joule is the SI unit of energy: the work done by one newton acting over one meter. Food labels in most countries, physics and engineering use joules.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert British thermal units to joules?
To convert British thermal units to joules, multiply the number of British thermal units by 1,055.06. For example, 10 BTU × 1,055.06 = 10,550.6 J. Or skip the math: type the value into the converter at the top of this page and the result updates instantly.
How many joules are in 1 british thermal unit?
1 BTU = 1,055.06 J. That is the fixed relationship used by this converter and by international standards.
How many British thermal units are in 1 joule?
1 J = 0.000947817 BTU. If you are converting in the opposite direction, use our Joule to British Thermal Unit converter for the dedicated table and FAQ.
Is the British thermal units to joules conversion exact?
Yes. Both units are defined by international agreement, so the factor of 1,055.06 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.