1. What Is Cost Per Million BTU?

Cost Per Million BTU is a standard measurement used to compare the cost efficiency of different energy sources. It represents how much it costs to obtain one million British Thermal Units (BTU) of energy from a particular fuel source.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• Price — The cost of the energy source in dollars ($)
• BTU — The energy content in British Thermal Units

Explanation: This calculation standardizes energy costs to a common unit (per million BTU), allowing for direct comparison between different energy sources regardless of their measurement units.

3. Importance Of Cost Per Million BTU Calculation

Details: Calculating cost per million BTU is essential for energy planning, budgeting, and making informed decisions about energy source selection. It helps consumers and businesses compare the true cost of different energy options on an equal basis.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter the price of the energy source in dollars and the BTU content. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the cost per million BTU, which can be used to compare different energy sources.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use cost per million BTU instead of cost per unit?
A: Different energy sources are measured in different units (gallons, therms, kWh, etc.). Cost per million BTU provides a standardized comparison that accounts for the varying energy content of different fuels.

Q2: What is a typical cost per million BTU for common energy sources?
A: Costs vary by region and over time, but generally natural gas has one of the lowest costs per million BTU, while electricity tends to be more expensive due to conversion losses.

Q3: How do I find the BTU content of different fuels?
A: Standard BTU values are published for common fuels. For example: natural gas ~1,030 BTU/cubic foot, heating oil ~138,500 BTU/gallon, propane ~91,500 BTU/gallon, electricity ~3,412 BTU/kWh.

Q4: Does this calculation account for efficiency differences?
A: No, this calculation only compares the raw energy cost. Actual operating costs should factor in the efficiency of the equipment using the energy source.

Q5: Can I use this for renewable energy sources?
A: Yes, the calculation works for any energy source as long as you know the price and energy content in BTUs.