Sensible Heat Ratio (SHR) Calculator
Split total cooling into sensible and latent.
Enter your values
ⓘ Live results
Results
- Sensible heat ratio
- 0.8
- Total load
- 30,000 BTU/h
- Total in tons
- 2.5
- Climate fit
- Dry climate profile
Quick answer
Sensible heat ratio is sensible capacity divided by total capacity; dry climates need a high SHR, humid ones a low SHR.
SHR = sensible / (sensible + latent)
How to use the Sensible Heat Ratio (SHR) Calculator
- 1Get sensible and latent loads from a Manual J or load estimate.
- 2Enter both to see the ratio.
- 3Pick equipment with a rated SHR close to your calculated value.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Sensible load24000 BTU/h
- Latent load6000 BTU/h
Results
- Sensible heat ratio0.8
- Total load30,000 BTU/h
- Total in tons2.5
- Climate fitDry climate profile
Frequently asked questions
Typical residential SHR?
0.75-0.80 in mixed climates, down near 0.68 in humid coastal areas.
Why does mismatch hurt?
High-SHR equipment in a humid house leaves the space cold and clammy.
About this calculator
- Built and reviewed by James Whitfield · How we build and test calculators
- Report an error
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.