Portable AC Size Calculator

Determine the right portable air conditioner capacity for your room

Capacity Guidelines

  • 100-150 sq ft: 5,000-6,500 BTU
  • 150-250 sq ft: 7,000-8,500 BTU
  • 250-400 sq ft: 9,000-12,000 BTU
  • 400-550 sq ft: 14,000-16,500 BTU

Portable AC Size Calculator: Find the Right Unit for Your Space

Looking for relief from the heat? A portable air conditioner is a great solution—especially for renters, small spaces, or rooms without central air. But before you buy, there's one important step: choosing the right size.

That’s where a Portable AC Size Calculator comes in. It helps you determine the ideal BTU rating (cooling power) for your specific room based on square footage, insulation, and other factors.

What Is a Portable AC Size Calculator?

A Portable AC Size Calculator is a tool that estimates the correct cooling capacity in BTUs (British Thermal Units) needed to effectively cool a space. Instead of guessing, it uses room measurements and conditions to provide a precise recommendation.

Why Use It?

✅ Prevent over- or under-cooling
✅ Maximize energy efficiency
✅ Improve comfort and air quality
✅ Extend the lifespan of your AC unit

How to Use the Portable AC Size Calculator

Here’s what you’ll typically need to input:

  1. Room Length and Width (in feet or meters)
  2. Ceiling Height
  3. Room Usage (kitchen, bedroom, etc.)
  4. Number of People regularly in the room
  5. Sunlight Exposure (low, medium, high)

Once you enter these details, the calculator tells you the recommended BTU capacity for your space.

General Sizing Guide (Quick Reference)

Here’s a general chart based on square footage:

Room Size (sq ft)Recommended BTU
100–1505,000 BTU
150–2506,000 BTU
250–3007,000 BTU
300–3508,000 BTU
350–4009,000 BTU
400–45010,000 BTU
450–55012,000 BTU
550–70014,000 BTU

📝 Pro Tip: Always round up if your room is oddly shaped or gets a lot of sunlight.

Factors That Affect Portable AC Sizing

🌞 Sunlight Exposure

Bright, sunny rooms need more cooling power.
➕ Add 10% BTUs for sun-soaked areas.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Number of Occupants

More people = more body heat.
➕ Add 600 BTUs per additional person after two.

🍳 Room Usage

Kitchens and server rooms need extra cooling.
➕ Add 4,000 BTUs for kitchen use.

📐 Ceiling Height

Standard calculations assume 8 ft ceilings.
For taller ceilings, adjust accordingly (+10–20%).

Example Calculation

Room: 20 ft × 15 ft = 300 sq ft
Room Type: Kitchen
Occupants: 3 people
Sunlight: High

Base BTU for 300 sq ft: 7,000
➕ Kitchen adjustment: +4,000
➕ Extra person: +600
➕ High sunlight: +700 (10%)

Total Needed: 12,300 BTU
➡️ Choose a 13,000 BTU portable AC unit

FAQs About Portable AC Sizing

Can I use a portable AC in multiple rooms?

It’s designed for one room at a time. Cooling multiple rooms reduces efficiency.

What happens if I buy the wrong size?

Too small = struggles to cool
Too big = cools too fast without dehumidifying properly

Are BTUs the only thing that matters?

No. Also consider energy efficiency ratio (EER), noise level, and dual-hose vs single-hose models.

What’s better: a window AC or portable AC?

Window units are more efficient, but portable ACs are flexible and renter-friendly.

Benefits of Using the Right Size Portable AC

  • 💸 Lower energy bills
  • 🌬️ More effective cooling
  • 😌 Quieter operation
  • 🛠️ Fewer maintenance issues
  • 🔋 Longer lifespan

Try the Portable AC Size Calculator Now

Don’t leave your comfort up to chance. Use our Portable AC Size Calculator to:

✅ Get the right BTU recommendation
✅ Avoid overpaying for electricity
✅ Ensure comfort through every heatwave

🎯 [Launch the Calculator] (internal tool link)

Final Thoughts

A portable AC is an excellent solution for targeted cooling—but only if it’s the right size. With the Portable AC Size Calculator, you’ll avoid the most common mistakes and enjoy a perfectly cooled space all summer long.

Whether you're cooling a home office, apartment, or small bedroom, use this tool before you shop. It’s the smartest first step toward comfort.

Call to Action

🔥 Ready to beat the heat?
Use our Portable AC Size Calculator today to find the perfect cooling unit for your room.
👉 [Calculate My BTU Needs Now]