Thermal Expansion Converter
Convert coefficients of thermal expansion between per kelvin, per degree Celsius and per degree Fahrenheit units used in materials science.
Written by Rahman · Last reviewed
Quick answer
The coefficient of thermal expansion gives fractional size change per degree of temperature change, in reciprocal kelvin. Because an interval of one kelvin equals one degree Celsius, 1/K and 1/°C are identical, while 1/°F is 1.8 times larger. Steel is around 12 × 10⁻⁶ per kelvin, so a 10-metre span grows about 1.2 mm per 10 °C.
| Per kelvin (1/K) | 1 |
| Per degree Celsius (1/°C) | 1 |
| Per degree Fahrenheit (1/°F) | 0.5555555556 |
| Per degree Rankine (1/°R) | 0.5555555556 |
About the Thermal Expansion Converter
The coefficient of thermal expansion describes how much a material expands or contracts for each degree of temperature change. It is expressed per kelvin or per degree.
This converter is used in engineering to predict how components change size with temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is thermal expansion?
⌄
Thermal expansion is the tendency of materials to change in size as their temperature changes, usually expanding when heated.
Why does the coefficient matter in engineering?
⌄
Designers must allow for expansion in bridges, rails and pipes, or temperature changes can cause stress, buckling or cracking.
What units are used?
⌄
It is measured per kelvin (1/K) or per degree Celsius or Fahrenheit.