What size aircon do I need?
Enter your room size and conditions to get the right tonnage and cooling capacity.
- Room area
- 12 m²
- Cooling needed
- 7,200 BTU/h
- In kJ/h
- —
Inverter units adjust better to changing loads; a non-inverter should match the room closely.
Get installation quotesHow the calculator works
We start from about 600 BTU/h per square meter, a common rule of thumb for homes in the UAE, then adjust for sun exposure, ceiling height, the top floor, people and kitchens. The result is matched to the nearest standard aircon size.
| Size | Typical capacity | Room area |
|---|---|---|
| 0.75 ton | 9,000 BTU/h | up to 9 m² |
| 1 ton | 12,000 BTU/h | 9–12 m² |
| 1.5 ton | 18,000 BTU/h | 12–18 m² |
| 2 ton | 24,000 BTU/h | 18–24 m² |
| 2.5 ton | 30,000 BTU/h | 24–30 m² |
| 3 ton | 36,000 BTU/h | 30–36 m² |
Capacities vary by brand – always compare the BTU or kJ/h on the label. Read more in our aircon sizing guide.
Questions
How many BTU is a 1 ton aircon?
In the UAE, a 1 ton window or split aircon is rated around 12,000 BTU/h (about 12,700 kJ/h). Always check the exact cooling capacity on the label.
What size aircon for a 12 m² room?
About 1 ton for a normal bedroom. Choose 1.5 ton if the room gets strong afternoon sun or is on the top floor.
Is a bigger aircon always better?
No. An oversized non-inverter unit cycles on and off and leaves the room humid. An undersized one runs at full power all day.