Thermal Expansion Calculator
Calculate the dimensional change from a mean linear expansion coefficient and a temperature change. Compare linear, area and volume models.
YOUR CALCULATION
Result
—
Calculation steps
Work through one step at a time or reveal the complete calculation. The steps use your current inputs.
How to calculate
Convert the initial measure to base units. Apply the same linear scale factor to each dimension of an isotropic body. The area and volume models raise that factor to the second and third power.
Dfinal=Dinitial(1+αΔT)^p; p=1,2,3
Worked example
A 10 m bar with α=0.000012/K heated from 20°C to 70°C grows by 0.006 m to 10.006 m.
Assumptions and input details
Use an entered constant mean linear coefficient between −0.001 and 0.001 per K. Temperatures must be at least absolute zero; the linear scale factor must be positive. Initial measure is positive and at most 1e12 in SI dimensional units. For area/volume this is an isotropic geometric approximation, not a fluid expansion coefficient or an exact temperature-dependent material law. A first-order comparison uses 1+pαΔT. No constrained stress, phase change or material property is inferred. Select the length basis: choosing cm in area mode means cm², not cm.
References: OpenStax thermal expansion
Unit definitions
Unit selection is independent of language. Each selector contains only units for its physical quantity. Calculations use defined base units internally.
Choose from 23 length definitions, including explicitly labelled regional measures. Area conversions square the length factor; geometric volumes cube it.
Regional measures are not interchangeable merely because their names look similar. This is a documented selection, not a claim to include every historical unit.
NIST measurement tables · Japanese traditional units · Mainland China and Hong Kong unit distinctions
Using this calculator
Can I enter my own problem?
Yes. Replace the example values with your own inputs. The result, calculation steps, tables and applicable diagrams update from those inputs. Blank or invalid values clear the result; example values are never silently substituted for missing inputs.
Are the results exact?
Results use floating-point arithmetic and displayed rounding. Read the formula, assumptions and any stated data precision before interpreting the result.
Is my input uploaded?
The calculation runs in your browser. No account, file upload or external AI service is required. Inputs are not saved between page reloads.
Calculate signed heat transfer from mass, specific heat and initial/final temperatures. Compare energy units and see a heating or cooling energy chart.
Calculate steady conductive heat flow through layers in series. Inspect thermal resistance, heat flux, transferred energy and interface temperatures.
Find real length, drawing length or a scale ratio. Mix length units and compare linear, area and volume scale factors with a size diagram.
Reserved advertising space.