Engineering & Construction

Thermal Expansion Calculator

Estimate how much a length changes when the temperature changes. The starting coefficient is 0.000012 per °C for carbon steel, and you can edit it.

Length (mm)Temperature change (°C)Use a negative number when the piece gets colder.α per °C

How this number is worked out

Change in length = α × length × change in temperature. The starting α is 0.000012 per °C, a typical value for carbon steel. Edit it for another material. This is a planning estimate. Confirm quantities against the structural drawings before ordering or cutting material.

Result

Enter the sizes, then press Calculate. The answer stays in this panel.

Result

Enter the sizes, then press Calculate. The answer stays in this panel.

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How to use the Thermal Expansion Calculator

1Enter the length and the temperature change.
2Keep the steel coefficient or replace it.
3Read how many millimetres the length changes.

Questions

What does a negative temperature do?

The piece gets shorter. Enter a negative change when it cools.

Is 0.000012 exact?

It is a typical figure for carbon steel. Alloys differ, so edit the coefficient when you have a better one.

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How to use the Thermal Expansion Calculator

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