Heat Transfer Coefficient Converter
Convert the heat transfer coefficient used in convection calculations.
Written by Rahman · Last reviewed
Quick answer
The heat transfer coefficient relates heat flux to the temperature difference driving it, in watts per square metre kelvin. One BTU per hour square foot °F is 5.6783 W/(m²·K) and one kilocalorie per hour square metre °C is 1.163. Values run from around 5 for still air to several thousand for boiling water.
| Watt per square metre kelvin (W/(m²·K)) | 1 |
| BTU (IT) per h·ft²·°F (BTU/(h·ft²·°F)) | 0.1761101837 |
| Calorie per s·cm²·°C (cal/(s·cm²·°C)) | 0.00002388458966 |
| Kilocalorie per h·m²·°C (kcal/(h·m²·°C)) | 0.8598452279 |
About the Heat Transfer Coefficient Converter
The heat transfer coefficient describes how effectively heat moves between a surface and a fluid flowing over it. The SI unit is the watt per square metre kelvin.
It is a key value in the design of heat exchangers, radiators and cooling systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the heat transfer coefficient?
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It measures how much heat is transferred per unit area for each degree of temperature difference between a surface and a fluid.
What affects the coefficient?
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It depends on the fluid, the flow speed, the surface and whether the transfer is by natural or forced convection.
Where is it used?
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It is used in convection calculations for heat exchangers, HVAC systems and electronics cooling.