What is Tonnage?
Tonnage (1 ton, 1.5 ton…)
How much heat the AC can remove per hour — not the weight of the unit.
Short answer
Roughly 1 ton per 100–120 sq ft, add capacity for top floors, west sun, or 3+ people in the room.
Tonnage when buying a air conditioner
How much heat the AC can remove per hour — not the weight of the unit.
Why it matters: Undersized units run non-stop and never cool; oversized units cool fast, switch off, and leave the room clammy.
Look for: Roughly 1 ton per 100–120 sq ft, add capacity for top floors, west sun, or 3+ people in the room.
Full Air Conditioner buying guide