Thermal Expansion Calculator

Estimate linear expansion of materials with temperature.

How to Use This Calculator

Enter linear expansion coefficient α, initial length, and temperature change. The tool returns ΔL and final length.

Formula

ΔL = α L₀ ΔT

Lf = L₀ + ΔL

About Thermal Expansion

Most materials expand with temperature. Coefficient α varies by material and temperature range; this tool assumes constant α.

Frequently Asked Questions

Volumetric expansion?

For small expansions, β ≈ 3α for isotropic solids. This tool covers linear expansion.

Units for α?

Use per Kelvin (1/K). Example: steel ~ 12×10⁻⁶ 1/K.