Btu stands for British thermal units, which are typically used to measure heat energy. Calories, abbreviated cal, also measures heat energy. The calorie is the amount of heat necessary to raise the temperature of one gram of water one degree Celsius. A Btu is the amount of heat energy necessary to raise one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. Each Btu equals 251.9958 calories. Knowing the Btu-to-cal conversion factor allows you to quickly make the conversion.
Instructions
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1
Divide the number of Btu by 0.00396832 to convert to calories. For example, if you have 48 Btu, divide 48 by 0.00396832 to get 12,095.80 cal.
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2
Multiply the number of Btu by 251.9958 to convert to calories. In this example, multiply 48 by 251.9958 to confirm your answer of 12,095.80 cal.
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Verify your answer with an online Btu-to-cal calculator. Enter the number of Btu and click "Convert."