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Specific Energy Converter - lb/Btu (IT) to J/kg Calculator

How to Convert Specific Energy

The Specific Energy Converter calculates the equivalent specific energy between pound per British thermal unit (International Table) (lb/Btu (IT)) and joule per kilogram (J/kg) using the following conversion formulas:

From lb/Btu (IT) to J/kg:

\( \text{J/kg} = \frac{2326}{\text{lb/Btu (IT)}} \)

From J/kg to lb/Btu (IT):

\( \text{lb/Btu (IT)} = \frac{2326}{\text{J/kg}} \)

Where:

  • \( \text{lb/Btu (IT)} \): Pound per British thermal unit (International Table), a unit of specific energy used in some engineering applications.
  • \( \text{J/kg} \): Joule per kilogram, a metric unit for specific energy in scientific and engineering applications.

Enter the specific energy value and select the unit to convert between lb/Btu (IT) and J/kg. Note that the conversion is inversely proportional, so 10 lb/Btu (IT) yields 1/10th the J/kg of 1 lb/Btu (IT).

Using the Specific Energy Converter

This converter is designed to assist with converting specific energy between lb/Btu (IT) and J/kg, useful in energy engineering and thermodynamics.

Input the specific energy value and select the unit (lb/Btu (IT) or J/kg). The calculator will display the converted values in both units.

Example: Convert 10 lb/Btu (IT) to J/kg.


  1. Specific Energy: \( 10 \, \text{lb/Btu (IT)} \)
  2. Conversion: \( \frac{2326}{10} = 232.6 \, \text{J/kg} \)
  3. Result: \( 10 \, \text{lb/Btu (IT)} = 232.6 \, \text{J/kg} \)

Use this tool for quick and accurate conversions in scientific and engineering applications.

Common Conversion Table

The following table provides quick reference conversions for common specific energy values between lb/Btu (IT) and J/kg:

lb/Btu (IT) J/kg
1 2326.00
2 1163.00
5 465.20
10 232.60
20 116.30

Use this table for quick lookups or to verify calculator results.

Common FAQ

Below are frequently asked questions about specific energy conversions between lb/Btu (IT) and J/kg:

  • Q: Why does 10 lb/Btu (IT) yield 1/10th the J/kg of 1 lb/Btu (IT)?
    A: This converter uses an inverse proportionality where the J/kg output is divided by the lb/Btu (IT) input, so 10 lb/Btu (IT) produces 2326 / 10 = 232.6 J/kg, as specified.
  • Q: What is the difference between lb/Btu (IT) and J/kg?
    A: lb/Btu (IT) (pound per British thermal unit, International Table) measures specific energy in some engineering contexts, while J/kg (joule per kilogram) is a metric unit. The conversion is inversely proportional in this context.
  • Q: Why convert between lb/Btu (IT) and J/kg?
    A: Conversions are needed in energy engineering and thermodynamics to bridge specific energy units used in imperial and metric systems.
  • Q: How accurate is this converter?
    A: The converter uses the precise conversion factor (2326 for 1 lb/Btu (IT)) and provides results rounded to 6 decimal places for lb/Btu (IT) and 2 for J/kg, ensuring high accuracy.
  • Q: Can negative values be converted?
    A: Yes, the converter handles negative values, which may be relevant in specific contexts, and performs conversions accurately, though division by zero is avoided.
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