
When purchasing an air conditioner for the first time, many are puzzled about choosing the right capacity for the room. Here's a simple way to calculate capacity!
1. Guidelines on how to calculate air conditioner, suitable for each room.
Various methods for calculating air conditioner capacity.
The formula for calculating air conditioner capacity mainly depends on the area or volume of the space to be cooled. Accordingly, we have the following calculation methods:
Calculating air conditioner capacity based on room area.
This formula can be applied to normal rooms with average ceiling conditions of 3m or less (typical ceiling height in Vietnam).
Required capacity for the room = Room area * 600 BTU (equivalent to 600 BTU/ m2)
- BTU is a British thermal unit, used to measure the power of heating or cooling devices.
- 9,000 BTU = 1 HP (1 horsepower).
Example: For a room with an area of 15 m2, you will calculate: 15 m2 x 600 BTU = 9,000 BTU, equivalent to a 1 HP capacity air conditioner.
Calculating air conditioner capacity based on room volume
The advantage of calculating based on volume is that it provides more accurate results compared to calculating based on area. This method should be applied to cases with high ceilings, loft rooms, etc.
Required capacity for the room = Room volume * 200 BTU (equivalent to 200 BTU/ m3)
- Room volume = room area x height
Example: For a room with a volume of 50 m3, you will calculate: 50 m3 x 200 BTU = 10,000 BTU => it is advisable to choose a 1.5 HP capacity air conditioner for sufficient cooling.
Calculating capacity based on external conditions
The calculation methods mentioned above have simplified external factors to provide relatively acceptable accuracy. However, if specific parameters are available, you can also calculate the air conditioner capacity based on external conditions using the formula below:

The cooling capacity of an air conditioner can be affected by various factors such as:
- Building materials.
- Direct heat sources.
- Number of people in the room.
- Presence of electronic devices in the room.
- Windows in the room…
In summary, depending on the actual conditions, it may be necessary to choose a higher capacity unit. For instance, if the room is exposed to direct sunlight, is connected to other rooms, typically has a large number of occupants, etc., it's advisable to add an extra 0.5 HP (~4500 BTU) to the intended capacity of the unit to compensate for additional heat loss.
Some suggestions for selecting air conditioner capacity based on area and volume
Phòng 15 m2 trở xuống (dưới 45 m3) | 1 HP (9000 BTU) |
Phòng 15 m2 đến 20 m2 (dưới 60 m3) |
1.5 HP (12000 BTU) |
Phòng trên 20 m2 đến 30 m2 (dưới 80 m3) | 2 HP (18000 BTU) |
Phòng trên 30 m2 tới 40 m2 (dưới 120 m3) | 2.5 HP (24000 BTU) |

Choosing the right capacity unit can lead to significant cost savings.
A few tips for installing air conditioners in various room spaces
Air conditioning for family rooms
Air conditioners for households usually have small capacities because they don't need to cool too much. However, if the space where you place the air conditioner is a living room or kitchen, you should add an extra 0.5 HP. Because those areas often accommodate many people and have relatively large heat emissions.

Living rooms, being often crowded, should add an extra 0.5 HP.
Air conditioners for cafes, restaurants
If you're choosing an air conditioner for a cafe or restaurant, due to the crowded nature and frequent opening and closing of doors, you need to select a unit with a relatively large capacity.

Cafes should choose air conditioners with large capacities
Air conditioners for hotels
Most hotels usually rent rooms for short periods of time, so upon entering the room, users often want the room to cool down quickly.

Hotels should choose air conditioners with fast cooling speeds
Air conditioners for office workplaces
Most office workplaces typically have a stable number of employees who remain seated for long periods. Therefore, we can calculate the air conditioner capacity similar to the type used for family living rooms.

Office workplaces usually have a certain number of people
>> Below is a table for selecting air conditioner capacity based on usage needs and the maximum room volume for your reference:
Công suất | Gia đình | Café/Nhà hàng | Khách sạn | Văn phòng |
1 HP | 45 m3 | 30 m3 | 35 m3 | 45 m3 |
1.5 HP | 60 m3 | 45 m3 | 55 m3 | 60 m3 |
2 HP | 80 m3 | 60 m3 | 70 m3 | 80 m3 |
2.5 HP | 120 m3 | 80 m3 | 100 m3 | 120 m3 |