Cooking Gas BTU Converter
Convert between propane and natural gas BTU ratings for cooking appliances.
Calculate orifice size changes and gas consumption differences.
Enter a BTU rating to see the equivalent gas consumption for both propane and natural gas.
Understanding Propane vs Natural Gas for Cooking
Propane (LP gas) and natural gas are the two main fuel types used in gas cooking appliances. While they both produce heat through combustion, they have significantly different energy content per unit volume, different operating pressures, and require different sized orifices in the burner. Converting an appliance from one fuel type to the other requires changing the orifice jets and potentially adjusting the air shutter and regulator pressure.
Energy Content Comparison:
| Property | Natural Gas | Propane (LP) |
|---|---|---|
| BTU per cubic foot | 1,030 BTU/ft³ | 2,516 BTU/ft³ |
| BTU per cubic meter | 36,400 BTU/m³ | 88,900 BTU/m³ |
| BTU per gallon | N/A (piped) | 91,500 BTU/gal |
| BTU per liter | N/A (piped) | 24,200 BTU/L |
| Operating pressure | 7 in WC (1.7 kPa) | 11 in WC (2.7 kPa) |
| Specific gravity (vs air) | 0.60 (lighter) | 1.52 (heavier) |
The Conversion Factor:
To achieve the same BTU output, propane requires approximately 40 percent less gas volume than natural gas because propane contains about 2.44 times more energy per cubic foot. When converting an appliance from natural gas to propane, the orifice holes must be made smaller (about 60 percent of the natural gas orifice area). When converting from propane to natural gas, the orifices must be made larger (about 165 percent of the propane orifice area).
Typical Cooking Burner BTU Ratings:
| Burner Size | BTU Output | Natural Gas Flow | Propane Flow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simmer burner | 5,000 BTU/hr | 4.85 ft³/hr | 1.99 ft³/hr |
| Standard burner | 9,500 BTU/hr | 9.22 ft³/hr | 3.78 ft³/hr |
| Power burner | 15,000 BTU/hr | 14.56 ft³/hr | 5.96 ft³/hr |
| High-power burner | 20,000 BTU/hr | 19.42 ft³/hr | 7.95 ft³/hr |
| Oven burner | 18,000 BTU/hr | 17.48 ft³/hr | 7.16 ft³/hr |
| Broiler | 16,000 BTU/hr | 15.53 ft³/hr | 6.36 ft³/hr |
Cost Comparison:
The cost per BTU varies by region and current market prices. In general, natural gas costs approximately 60 to 70 percent less than propane per BTU in areas where both are available. Natural gas is delivered through underground pipes with no storage tank needed. Propane requires a tank on your property and periodic refills, which adds delivery charges. However, propane is available in rural areas where natural gas pipelines do not reach.
Safety Differences:
Natural gas is lighter than air (specific gravity 0.60) and rises when leaked, making it easier to detect and ventilate. Propane is heavier than air (specific gravity 1.52) and sinks to the lowest point, which makes leaks more dangerous because propane can pool in basements, crawl spaces, and low-lying areas. Both gases are odorized with mercaptan (the distinctive rotten egg smell) to aid leak detection. Always have gas work performed by a licensed technician and ensure proper ventilation in any kitchen using gas appliances.
Altitude Adjustment:
At higher altitudes, gas appliances produce fewer BTU because the thinner air contains less oxygen for combustion. Above 2,000 feet (610 meters), derating is typically 4 percent per 1,000 feet (305 meters) of elevation. A 15,000 BTU burner at sea level effectively produces about 13,800 BTU at 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) elevation.