US DX-series uses BTU codes; Indian FTK-series uses kW-class codes (25=0.8T, 35=1T, 50=1.5T, 60/71=2T). Paste your model number for an instant decode.
Always confirm against the data plate's rated capacity line — model ranges occasionally reuse digits for non-capacity codes, and the plate is authoritative.
| Capacity code | BTU/hr | Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 09 | 9,000 | 0.75 |
| 12 | 12,000 | 1.0 |
| 18 | 18,000 | 1.5 |
| 24 | 24,000 | 2.0 |
| 30 | 30,000 | 2.5 |
| 36 | 36,000 | 3.0 |
| 42 | 42,000 | 3.5 |
| 48 | 48,000 | 4.0 |
| 60 | 60,000 | 5.0 |
Amana American Standard Blue Star Bryant Carrier Goodman Heil Hitachi Lennox LG Lloyd O General Panasonic Payne Rheem Ruud Samsung Trane Voltas Whirlpool York
On the data plate — a metal or foil sticker on the side or back of the outdoor unit (or behind the front panel on indoor split units). Use the model number, not the serial number, which encodes the manufacture date rather than capacity.
US DX-series uses BTU codes; Indian FTK-series uses kW-class codes (25=0.8T, 35=1T, 50=1.5T, 60/71=2T). Divide the BTU code by 12 to get tons.
Paste the model number from the outdoor unit's data plate into the decoder above — it applies Daikin's nomenclature automatically. Example: DX16SA0363 = 3.0 tons.
Daikin runs two independent numbering tracks. US ducted/mini-split models use thousands-of-BTU integers (code ÷ 12 = tons), while global metric models use a kilowatt-class index that maps to tonnage on its own scale.
US mini-splits such as FTX18NMVJU place the capacity in the digits after the family letters (F = indoor wall unit, R = outdoor condenser). FTX18 decodes to 18 → 1.5 tons.
International codes such as FTKM50UV18U track kilowatt classes: the core number (25, 35, 50, 71…) is a metric class, not a BTU code. A 50 maps to a 5.0 kW / 1.5-ton envelope, so the decoder uses a separate kW→ton table for these strings.
The decoder above applies this nomenclature automatically. Capacity codes are nominal — always confirm against the rated-capacity line on the unit’s data plate.
Capacity decoding on this page follows Daikin’s published model-number nomenclature. To confirm a unit’s actual rated capacity and efficiency, cross-check the authoritative references below.
Tonnage is derived from nominal cooling capacity: 1 ton = 12,000 BTU/hr ≈ 3.5 kW. Indian shorthand codes (e.g. 12, 18, 24) and metric kW classes both map to these nominal tonnages.
Model-number conventions and standards evolve, and manufacturers occasionally reuse digits for non-capacity codes — the rated-capacity line on the unit’s data plate is always authoritative. Figures here are for identification and planning, not a substitute for a professional load calculation.
Different brand? Back to the full 22-brand decoder. Sizing a replacement? Check what your space really needs with the AC tonnage calculator first — the old unit may have been mis-sized.