AR-series digits are thousands of BTU: 12=1T, 18=1.5T, 24=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 Daikin Goodman Heil Hitachi Lennox LG Lloyd O General Panasonic Payne Rheem Ruud 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.
AR-series digits are thousands of BTU: 12=1T, 18=1.5T, 24=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 Samsung's nomenclature automatically. Example: AR18CYNZABE = 1.5 tons.
Samsung uses a US track (BTU code ÷ 12) and a global metric track based on kilowatt-class indices.
US splits such as AR12TSFABWK or AJ018JNNDCH place the capacity after the family letters — AR for indoor wall-mounted splits, AJ for premium multi-zone outdoor units. AR12 decodes to 12 → 1.0 ton; a TS/CY marker denotes a WindFree model.
International codes such as AR18BY3ZAPN mix shorthand BTU steps and metric kW classes (25, 35, 50, 71…). A shorthand 18 is a direct 1.5-ton match; a metric 50 maps to a 5.0 kW / 1.5-ton envelope.
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 Samsung’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.