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Mihsaba›Thermal Expansion Calculator

Thermal Expansion Calculator

Calculate length change and final length from initial length, linear expansion coefficient and temperature change.

These are ideal thermal/gas models. Real material properties and gases can vary with temperature, pressure and phase.

How to use

Linear thermal expansion estimates a material’s length change when its coefficient α can be treated as constant over the temperature range.

  1. Enter initial length.
  2. Enter α in ×10⁻⁶/K.
  3. Enter signed ΔT.
  4. Review ΔL and final length.

How it is calculated

ΔL=αL₀ΔT; L=L₀+ΔL

Example

Example: 1 m with α=12×10⁻⁶/K heated by 50 K expands by 0.0006 m, or 0.6 mm.

Important notes

α can vary with temperature, direction and material; this linear model does not include mechanical restraint.

Frequently asked questions

K or °C for ΔT?

A temperature difference has the same numeric size in K and °C.

Can ΔL be negative?

Yes for contraction.

Is this volumetric expansion?

No, linear only.