Thermodynamics
Thermal Expansion Calculator
Calculate linear, area and volumetric thermal expansion for any material. Material library included with expansion coefficients for metals, glass and construction materials.
ΔL = α × L₀ × ΔT
Positive = heating, negative = cooling. ΔK = Δ°C
Enter material, length and temperature change to calculate expansion.
Thermal expansion
Most materials expand when heated and contract when cooled. The fractional change in length ΔL/L₀ = αΔT, where α is the coefficient of linear thermal expansion specific to the material. Area expansion coefficient is approximately 2α, and volumetric expansion coefficient is approximately 3α.
This is why engineers include expansion gaps in bridges, rails and pipelines — without them, thermal expansion generates enormous compressive stresses that can buckle structures. The Eiffel Tower grows about 15 cm taller in summer.