Conversion factors
1 kWh = 3.6 MJ = 3,412 BTU = 860 kcal
1 therm = 100,000 BTU = 29.3 kWh
1 BTU = 1,055 J 1 kcal = 4,184 J
Energy comparisons
| Source | Approximate energy |
|---|---|
| 100 Ah 12.8 V LiFePO4 battery | 1.28 kWh |
| 1 litre of diesel | ≈ 10 kWh |
| 1 litre of petrol / gasoline | ≈ 8.9 kWh |
| 1 kg of propane | ≈ 13.9 kWh (gross) |
| 1 kg of seasoned firewood | ≈ 4–4.5 kWh |
This is why a few litres of fuel can heat a van for days, while the same heat from a battery would take a very large bank.
Frequently asked questions
How many BTU in a kWh?
1 kWh = 3,412 BTU.
How many kWh in a therm?
1 therm = 29.3 kWh.