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AC SIZE · 2,000 SQ FT (186 M²)

What Size AC for 2,000 Sq Ft?

A 2,000 sq ft home in a warm climate needs about 51,200 BTU/h (4.3 tons), so a 5 ton AC. The same size suits a hot climate; 3.5 ton is enough in a mild one. In very hot, lightly insulated homes in Pakistan or India, it is about 13 tons in total, or 9 split units of 1.5 ton.

Inputs

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Space
ft²
ft
Conditions
Cooling load, thousand BTU/hCooling load, thousand BTU/hFloor area × climate50kAfter ceiling and sun50kPeople over two+1.2kTotal, 5 ton51.2kmyconstructioncalculator.com
Diagram updates as you type.

Results

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Recommended AC size
5ton
Cooling load51,200 BTU/h
Cooling load in kW15.01 kW
Exact tonnage4.27 tons
Area per ton468.8 ft² per ton
Or 1.5 ton units3 units

This is a rule-of-thumb size for choosing a unit. For a central system or a new house, ask for a room-by-room heat-gain calculation (ACCA Manual J or similar).

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Working
  1. Base load = 2,000 ft² × 25 BTU/h per ft² = 50,000 BTU/h
  2. Ceiling 8 ft or lower: no height adjustment
  3. Sun: × 1; people over two: + 1,200 BTU/h; kitchen: + 0 BTU/h
  4. Cooling load = 51,200 BTU/h ÷ 12,000 = 4.27 tons (15.01 kW)
  5. Size: smallest standard unit covering 95% of the load (4.05 t) = 5 ton
Results are estimates for planning and material ordering only. They are not a substitute for structural design or approval by a qualified engineer. Read the full disclaimer.
AC Size for 2,000 Sq Ft by Climate
ClimateCooling loadkWAC size
Mild (UK, northern Europe)41,200 BTU/h12.13.5 ton
Warm (most of the US)51,200 BTU/h15.05 ton
Hot (US South, tropics)61,200 BTU/h17.95 ton
Very hot (Pakistan, India, Gulf)161,200 BTU/h47.213 tons in total
For 4 people, an 8 ft ceiling and average sun. The size is the smallest standard unit that covers 95% of the load; above 5 tons the total is shared between several units.
What Changes the Size (Warm Climate)
SituationCooling loadAC size
4 people, 8 ft ceiling, average sun51,200 BTU/h5 ton
Heavily shaded (−10%)46,200 BTU/h4 ton
Very sunny or top floor (+10%)56,200 BTU/h5 ton
10 ft ceiling57,450 BTU/h5 ton
Includes the kitchen (+4,000 BTU/h)55,200 BTU/h5 ton
6 people52,400 BTU/h5 ton
How It Is Worked Out
  1. Base load = 2,000 sq ft × 25 BTU/h per sq ft (warm climate) = 50,000 BTU/h
  2. People over two: (4 − 2) × 600 = 1,200 BTU/h
  3. Cooling load = 51,200 BTU/h ÷ 12,000 = 4.27 tons (15.01 kW)
  4. 95% of 4.27 = 4.05 tons → 5 ton
Change any figure in the calculator above to match your home. The method is explained on the AC Tonnage Calculator page.
Other Floor Areas
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tons of AC do I need for 2,000 sq ft?
5 ton in a warm climate, for 4 people and an 8 ft ceiling. The same size suits a hot climate; 3.5 ton is enough in a mild one. In a very hot climate with little insulation, it is about 13 tons in total, or 9 split units of 1.5 ton.
How many BTU do I need for 2,000 sq ft?
About 41,200 BTU/h in a mild climate, 51,200 in a warm one and 61,200 in a hot one. Very hot, lightly insulated homes need about 161,200 BTU/h.
Is a 4 ton AC enough for 2,000 sq ft?
In a mild climate, yes. In a warm climate it covers about 94% of the 51,200 BTU/h load, so it runs flat out on hot days and a 5 ton unit is the better fit.
How many 1.5 ton ACs for 2,000 sq ft in Pakistan or India?
About 9 split units of 1.5 ton, one or more per room, for 40 to 48°C summers and little insulation (about 1 ton per 150 sq ft). Size each room on its own with the calculator above.