Thermal Conductivity Converter

About This Tool

This Thermal Conductivity Converter is a critical tool for material scientists, physicists, and engineers. It converts units of thermal conductivity (often denoted as k, λ, or κ), which is an intrinsic property of a material that measures its ability to conduct heat. The base unit is watt per meter-Kelvin (W/(m·K)).

A material with a high thermal conductivity value, like copper, transfers heat very efficiently, while a material with a low value, like styrofoam, is a poor heat conductor and thus a good insulator. This tool is essential for selecting materials for applications ranging from high-performance heat sinks to energy-efficient building insulation.

Tips & Features

• Understanding Thermal Conductivity: The unit 'watt per meter-Kelvin' represents the rate of heat transfer (in watts) through a one-meter-thick section of material when there is a one-Kelvin temperature difference across that section.
• Conductivity vs. Resistance: Thermal conductivity is a material property, while thermal resistance (K/W) can describe an entire object or assembly. They are inversely related: high conductivity means low resistance, and vice versa.
• Imperial Units: The most common imperial unit for thermal conductivity is Btu·in/(h·ft²·°F). This unit is often used for specifying the k-value of building insulation in the United States.