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AC Tonnage Calculator — Sizing Guide

Calculate recommended AC cooling capacity in BTUs and Tons based on room dimensions, ceiling height, and sun exposure.

Live 2026 Data
Room Size 50 - 300 sq ft
Ceiling Height 8 - 12 feet
Heat Load Occupants & Sunlight
Rec Capacity 1.0 - 2.5 Ton AC

1. Enter Configuration Parameters

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a "Ton" of AC capacity?

A ton of refrigeration (TR) measures cooling power. 1 Ton of capacity can remove 12,000 BTUs of heat per hour. Room sizes between 100-150 sq ft typically need 1.5 Tons of AC capacity.

How much power does an AC consume per hour?

A typical 1.5 Ton 3-Star inverter AC draws about 1.0 to 1.2 kW per hour during active cooling. Over an 8-hour period, it consumes roughly 6 to 8 units (kWh) of electricity, depending on the temperature setting and ambient outdoor heat.

Is a 5-Star inverter AC worth the extra cost compared to a 3-Star AC?

Yes. A 5-Star inverter AC is roughly 15-20% more energy-efficient than a 3-Star AC, saving about 150-200 units annually. For a standard tariff of Rs. 8.00/unit, this translates to savings of Rs. 1,200 to Rs. 1,600 per year, offsetting the price premium in 2 to 3 years.

What temperature should I set my AC to for maximum savings?

Set your AC to 24°C or 25°C. According to the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), every degree increase in the AC temperature setting saves approximately 6% of electricity. Setting your AC to 24°C instead of 18°C can reduce your AC's power consumption by up to 36%.

How does tonnage relate to room size for air conditioning?

AC tonnage measures cooling capacity (1 Ton = 12,000 BTU/hr). Standard sizing rules: up to 100 sq ft requires a 1.0 Ton AC, 100–150 sq ft requires a 1.5 Ton AC, and rooms larger than 150 sq ft need a 2.0 Ton AC to cool effectively.

What is ISEER rating, and how do I read it?

Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (ISEER) measures the ratio of heat removed to the energy consumed over a typical year. A higher ISEER rating means higher efficiency. Currently, 5-Star ACs require an ISEER of 5.0 or above, while 3-Star ACs require 3.8 to 4.9.

Does running an AC in sleep mode actually save money?

Yes. Sleep mode automatically increases the set temperature by 1°C per hour for the first two hours (up to 2°C). This aligns with the natural drop in body temperature and ambient night temperatures, saving up to 10-15% of night power consumption.

About This Calculator

Target Audience: Homeowners & buyers sizing AC capacity and calculating energy consumption

What Does This Calculator Do?

This calculator estimates the right AC size (tonnage) needed for a room based on its area, ceiling height, insulation, and solar exposure. It prevents buying an undersized or oversized unit.

How to Use It

  1. Room Dimensions: Enter the room length and width in feet or meters.
  2. Ceiling Height: Enter height (standard is 10 feet).
  3. Sun Exposure: Select if the room gets direct sunlight or is shaded.
  4. Occupants: Enter the number of people regularly in the room.

The Logic Explained Simply

  • The Concept: AC capacity is measured in Tons (1 Ton = 12,000 BTU/hour of heat removal). An undersized AC will run continuously without cooling the room, while an oversized AC will cycle off too quickly, leaving the air humid.
  • The Formula:
  • Base BTU = Area (sq ft) × 20
  • Adjustments:
  • High sunlight: Add 10% to BTU
  • High ceiling (>10 ft): Add 10%
  • Each occupant above 2: Add 600 BTU
  • Required Tonnage = Total BTU / 12,000

Real-World Calculation Breakdown

For a living room of 15 ft × 10 ft (150 sq ft) with high sun exposure and 4 occupants:

  1. Base BTU: 150 sq ft × 20 = 3,000 BTU
  2. Sunlight Adjustment (10%): 3,000 × 10% = 300 BTU
  3. Occupant Adjustment (2 extra people): 2 × 600 = 1,200 BTU
  4. Total BTU: 3,000 + 300 + 1,200 = 4,500 BTU.
  • For 150 sq ft, typical Indian cooling norms recommend a minimum of 1.0 Ton (12,000 BTU) to handle summer peaks of 45°C. Thus, a 1.0 Ton AC is perfect.

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