Convert Megawatts to BTU per Hour - Power Converter
This converter transforms a power value in megawatts (MW) into British thermal units per hour (Btu/h). The relationship is fixed and based on the watt-to-Btu/h factor; no additional inputs are required.
Use this tool for engineering estimates, energy billing conversions, and systems sizing. For regulatory reporting, check applicable local standards and instrument calibration records to ensure traceability and compliance.
Governance
Record f813b1f9d131 • Reviewed by Fidamen Standards Committee
Interactive Converter
Convert between megawatt and btu per hour with precision rounding.
Quick reference table
| Megawatt | BTU per Hour |
|---|---|
| 1 MW | BTU 3,412,142.45 BTU/h |
| 5 MW | BTU 17,060,712.25 BTU/h |
| 10 MW | BTU 34,121,424.50 BTU/h |
| 25 MW | BTU 85,303,561.25 BTU/h |
| 50 MW | BTU 170,607,122.51 BTU/h |
| 100 MW | BTU 341,214,245.01 BTU/h |
Methodology
The conversion uses SI and accepted thermal unit definitions: 1 megawatt (MW) = 1,000,000 watts (W), and 1 watt = 3.412141633 Btu/h (International Table definition commonly used in engineering practice). The calculation multiplies MW by these factors to yield Btu/h.
When high accuracy is required, consider which BTU definition your application or jurisdiction uses (for example, International Table BTU versus thermochemical BTU) and account for instrument uncertainty and calibration. Follow guidance from NIST and ISO on unit definitions and uncertainty, and consult IEEE/OSHA guidance for measurement and safety practices where relevant.
Key takeaways
Conversion factor: 1 MW = 3,412,141.633 Btu/h (using 1 W = 3.412141633 Btu/h).
For precise work, document which BTU definition you used, include uncertainty and calibration data, and follow NIST/ISO/IEEE/OSHA guidance as applicable.
Worked examples
Example 1: 1 MW → 1 × 3,412,141.633 = 3,412,141.633 Btu/h.
Example 2: 0.5 MW → 0.5 × 3,412,141.633 = 1,706,070.8165 Btu/h (report per required rounding).
Example 3: 10 MW → 10 × 3,412,141.633 = 34,121,416.33 Btu/h.
F.A.Q.
Which BTU definition does this converter use?
This converter uses the International Table BTU definition embedded in the common engineering factor 1 W = 3.412141633 Btu/h. If your workflow requires a different BTU variant, adjust the factor accordingly and note the difference in documentation.
How many significant digits are appropriate?
Choose significant digits based on measurement uncertainty. For raw unit conversion, reporting 6 to 9 significant figures is mathematically possible, but for measured inputs use the same precision as your instrument calibration certificate and follow NIST/ISO guidance on uncertainty reporting.
Is this converter suitable for regulatory or safety submissions?
The numeric conversion is a fixed mathematical relationship and is suitable for calculations. For regulatory submissions, also include instrument calibration records, uncertainty analysis, and cite the standard definitions used (for example, NIST or ISO documents). Consult relevant regulatory bodies for formatting and traceability requirements.
How do I convert back from Btu/h to MW?
Invert the factor: MW = Btu/h ÷ 3,412,141.633. Ensure you use the same BTU definition when reversing the conversion.
Sources & citations
- NIST - SI Units and Unit Conversions — https://www.nist.gov/pml/weights-and-measures/si-units
- ISO 80000 — Quantities and Units (overview) — https://www.iso.org/standard/50365.html
- IEEE Standards Association — https://standards.ieee.org
- OSHA - Measurement and Sampling Guidance — https://www.osha.gov
- NIST SP 811 — Guide for the Use of the International System of Units — https://www.nist.gov/pml/special-publication-811
Further resources
Related tools
External guidance
Versioning & Change Control
Audit record (versions, QA runs, reviewer sign-off, and evidence).
Record ID: f813b1f9d131What changed (latest)
v1.0.0 • 2025-11-13 • MINOR
Initial publication and governance baseline.
Why: Published with reviewed formulas, unit definitions, and UX controls.
Public QA status
PASS — golden 25 + edge 120
Last run: 2026-01-23 • Run: golden-edge-2026-01-23
Versioning & Change Control
Audit record (versions, QA runs, reviewer sign-off, and evidence).
What changed (latest)
v1.0.0 • 2025-11-13 • MINOR
Initial publication and governance baseline.
Why: Published with reviewed formulas, unit definitions, and UX controls.
Public QA status
PASS — golden 25 + edge 120
Last run: 2026-01-23 • Run: golden-edge-2026-01-23
Engine
v1.0.0
Data
Baseline (no external datasets)
Content
v1.0.0
UI
v1.0.0
Governance
Last updated: Nov 13, 2025
Reviewed by: Fidamen Standards Committee (Review board)
Credentials: Internal QA
Risk level: low
Reviewer profile (entity)
Fidamen Standards Committee
Review board
Internal QA
Entity ID: https://fidamen.com/reviewers/fidamen-standards-committee#person
Semantic versioning
- MAJOR: Calculation outputs can change for the same inputs (formula, rounding policy, assumptions).
- MINOR: New features or fields that do not change existing outputs for the same inputs.
- PATCH: Bug fixes, copy edits, or accessibility changes that do not change intended outputs except for previously incorrect cases.
Review protocol
- Verify formulas and unit definitions against primary standards or datasets.
- Run golden-case regression suite and edge-case suite.
- Record reviewer sign-off with credentials and scope.
- Document assumptions, limitations, and jurisdiction applicability.
Assumptions & limitations
- Uses exact unit definitions from the Fidamen conversion library.
- Internal calculations use double precision; display rounding follows the unit's configured decimal places.
- Not a substitute for calibrated instruments in regulated contexts.
- Jurisdiction-specific rules may require official guidance.
Change log
v1.0.0 • 2025-11-13 • MINOR
Initial publication and governance baseline.
Why: Published with reviewed formulas, unit definitions, and UX controls.
Areas: engine, content, ui • Reviewer: Fidamen Standards Committee • Entry ID: 9eaa437f9788