Thermal Expansion Calculator
🔥 Heat & thermodynamics. Use the Thermal expansion formula to find change in length, expansion coefficient α, original length, temperature change: pick the value you want, type the others, and the answer updates as you go.
Pick the ○ next to the value you want to find, fill in the others, and it solves as you type.
What each letter means
| Quantity | Unit |
|---|---|
| Change in length | m |
| Expansion coefficient α | per K |
| Original length | m |
| Temperature change | K |
Worked example
Find the change in length when Expansion coefficient α = 1.2 × 10⁻⁵ per K, Original length = 10 m, Temperature change = 10 K.
Using Δ L = α L0 Δ T: Change in length = 0.0012 m.
Frequently asked questions
What is the formula for Thermal expansion?
Δ L = α L0 Δ T.
What do the letters stand for, and what units are used?
Change in length in m, Expansion coefficient α in per K, Original length in m, Temperature change in K.
How do you calculate change in length?
Put the values into Δ L = α L0 Δ T. For example, with Expansion coefficient α = 1.2 × 10⁻⁵ per K, Original length = 10 m, Temperature change = 10 K, change in length = 0.0012 m.
Can I solve for a different value?
Yes. In the calculator above, pick the circle next to any value (change in length, expansion coefficient α, original length, temperature change) and fill in the others: it rearranges the formula for you.
