Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average heat content of U.S. coal?
In 2015, the average heat content of coal produced in the United States was about 20.16 million British thermal units (Btu) per short ton (2000 pounds), and the average heat content of coal consumed was 19.62 million Btu per short ton.1
1 Estimates available at the time of this FAQ update.
Learn more:
Average annual heat content of coal (Appendix A5)
Average heat content of coal from major producing regions
Average quality of fossil fuel receipts for the electric power industry
Database with heat content of coal delivered to U.S. power plants by type of coal and source
Last updated: February 2, 2016
Other FAQs about Coal
- Does EIA have county-level energy production data?
- Does EIA have projections for energy production, consumption, and prices for individual states?
- Does EIA publish coking coal prices?
- From what country does the United States import the most coal?
- How do I convert between short tons and metric tons?
- How large are U.S. coal reserves?
- How many power plants are there in the United States?
- How much coal, natural gas, or petroleum is used to generate a kilowatthour of electricity?
- Which states produce the most coal?
- To what country does the United States export the most coal?
- What are the different coal prices published by EIA?
- What is the average heat content of U.S. coal?
- What types and amounts of energy are produced in each state?