⚡ Conductivity to Resistivity Calculator
Convert electrical conductivity to resistivity
Enter in Siemens per meter (S/m). Example: Copper = 5.96 × 10⁷ S/m
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Conductivity
Input the electrical conductivity value in Siemens per meter (S/m). Use scientific notation for large or small values (e.g., 5.96e7 for copper conductivity).
Calculate
Click the "Calculate Resistivity" button to convert conductivity to resistivity. The result will be displayed in Ohm-meters (Ω·m).
Formula
ρ = 1 / σ
Where:
- ρ = Resistivity (Ohm-meters, Ω·m)
- σ = Conductivity (Siemens per meter, S/m)
Example Calculation:
For copper with conductivity of 5.96 × 10⁷ S/m:
ρ = 1 / (5.96 × 10⁷)
ρ = 1.68 × 10⁻⁸ Ω·m
Note: Conductivity and resistivity are reciprocals of each other. Higher conductivity means lower resistivity, and vice versa.
Common Material Values:
- Copper: σ = 5.96 × 10⁷ S/m, ρ = 1.68 × 10⁻⁸ Ω·m
- Aluminum: σ = 3.77 × 10⁷ S/m, ρ = 2.65 × 10⁻⁸ Ω·m
- Iron: σ = 1.00 × 10⁷ S/m, ρ = 1.00 × 10⁻⁷ Ω·m
- Pure Water: σ ≈ 5.5 × 10⁻⁶ S/m, ρ ≈ 1.8 × 10⁵ Ω·m
About Conductivity to Resistivity Calculator
The Conductivity to Resistivity Calculator converts electrical conductivity to electrical resistivity. These two properties are inversely related - materials with high conductivity have low resistivity, and vice versa. This calculator is essential for electrical engineering, material science, and understanding the electrical properties of different materials.
When to Use This Calculator
- Material Selection: Compare electrical properties of different materials for circuit design
- Wire Sizing: Determine resistivity values needed for calculating wire resistance
- Material Science: Convert between conductivity and resistivity measurements in research
- Electrical Engineering: Work with material properties in circuit analysis and design
- Quality Control: Verify material specifications and properties
Why Use Our Calculator?
- ✅ Simple Conversion: Instantly convert between conductivity and resistivity
- ✅ Scientific Notation: Handles values from highly conductive to insulating materials
- ✅ Accurate Results: Precise calculations for engineering applications
- ✅ Free Tool: No registration or payment required
- ✅ Quick Reference: Fast conversion for material property comparisons
Common Applications
Wire and Cable Design: Convert conductivity values to resistivity for calculating resistance in electrical wires and cables, helping engineers select appropriate materials and sizes for power transmission and distribution systems.
Material Characterization: Convert between conductivity and resistivity measurements in material science research, where materials are often characterized by one property but needed in calculations with the other.
Circuit Design: Work with material properties when designing printed circuit boards, where trace resistance depends on the resistivity of the conductor material (usually copper).
Tips for Best Results
- Remember: resistivity and conductivity are reciprocals (ρ = 1/σ)
- High conductivity materials (metals) have low resistivity
- Low conductivity materials (insulators) have high resistivity
- Use consistent units: conductivity in S/m, resistivity in Ω·m
- For very conductive materials, resistivity is in the range of 10⁻⁸ Ω·m
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the relationship between conductivity and resistivity?
Conductivity (σ) and resistivity (ρ) are inversely related: ρ = 1/σ. They represent the same material property but from opposite perspectives - conductivity measures how well a material conducts electricity, while resistivity measures how well it resists current flow.
What units are used for conductivity and resistivity?
Conductivity is measured in Siemens per meter (S/m), and resistivity is measured in Ohm-meters (Ω·m). These are the standard SI units used in electrical engineering and material science.
Why do some materials have very high conductivity?
Metals like copper, silver, and gold have high conductivity because they have many free electrons that can move easily through the material. The atomic structure and electron configuration determine how easily charge carriers can flow.
Can I convert resistivity to conductivity?
Yes, the formula works both ways: σ = 1/ρ. Simply take the reciprocal of resistivity to get conductivity. Use our calculator in reverse: enter 1/ρ as the conductivity value to find the resistivity.
What affects conductivity and resistivity?
Temperature is a major factor - most metals have higher resistivity at higher temperatures. Material purity, crystal structure, and defects also affect these properties. Alloying generally increases resistivity compared to pure metals.
How does resistivity relate to resistance?
Resistivity (ρ) is a material property, while resistance (R) depends on both the material and geometry: R = ρL/A, where L is length and A is cross-sectional area. Resistivity tells you about the material itself, while resistance tells you about a specific component made from that material.