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Rojony Khatun
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Last updated: August 17, 2025

Air Conditioner Current Calculator: AC Amps from kW or BTU

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Air conditioner current calculator

Calculate your air conditioner’s running current (amps) from power, voltage, and efficiency. Supports kW, BTU/hr, single-phase, and three-phase AC systems.

air conditioner current calculator

The current a given air conditioner consumes will be determined by its cooling capacity, the voltage it is supplied, and its efficiency level. Calculate amps by use of kW or BTU ratings using the correct formula.

Formula & Table Summary:

BTU to kW: \( P_{\text{kW}} = \frac{\text{BTU/hr}}{3412} \)

Single-phase: \( I = \frac{P_{\text{kW}} \times 1000}{V \times \text{PF}} \)

Three-phase: \( I = \frac{P_{\text{kW}} \times 1000}{\sqrt{3} \times V \times \text{PF}} \)

air conditioner load amps

The Air Conditioner Current Calculator predicts amps based on cooling capacity (kW or BTU/hr), the supply voltage, and the power factor of one and three phase cooling. The calculator has the functionality of converting BTU/hr to kW automatically, providing an accurate result both in regions of residential and commercial air conditioners. From knowing your ACs current draw, you can achieve proper sizing of circuit breakers,a  good selection of wiring, and avoidance of overloads. The tool is a must-have instrument to electricians and HVAC technicians as well as homeowners who seek to promote safety and effectiveness in cooling systems.

hvac current calculator

AC CapacityVoltage (V)PhasePFPower (kW)Current (A)
1.5 Ton230Single0.95.2725.4
2 Ton230Single0.97.0333.9
2 Ton400Three0.97.0311.3
3 Ton230Single0.910.5550.9
3 Ton400Three0.910.5516.9

Frequently Asked Questions - Air conditioner current calculator:

How do I calculate AC current from BTU?

Convert BTU/hr to kW using BTU/3412, then apply the amps formula.

What is the formula for single-phase AC current?

I = (P*1000)/(V*PF).

What is the formula for three-phase AC current?

I = (P*1000)/(√3*V*PF).

Does power factor affect AC current?

Yes, lower PF increases current draw.

Can this work for inverter ACs?

Yes, but current may vary based on compressor speed.

How many amps does a 1.5 ton AC use?

Around 25A at 230V single-phase with PF 0.9.

How many amps does a 2 ton AC use?

About 34A at 230V single-phase, PF 0.9.

Why is my AC drawing more amps?

Possible causes include low voltage, dirty filters, or compressor issues.

Can I use this for central AC systems?

Yes, enter total kW or BTU capacity.

Why calculate AC amps?

It helps in choosing breakers, wiring, and avoiding overload.

Rojony Khatun

Rojony Khatun

CalculatorToolsProject

Rojony Khatun is the creator of a free online tools website designed to simplify everyday and engineering-related calculations for students, professionals, and hobbyists. The platform offers a wide variety of basic and advanced calculators across key categories, including Electrical Calculators, Electronic Calculators, and Time & Date Calculators, helping users solve problems quickly and accurately.