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Thermodynamics Calculators

Thermal Expansion Calculator

Linear, area and volume expansion of a material when its temperature changes.

Enter values

Steel 12×10⁻⁶, aluminium 23×10⁻⁶, concrete 12×10⁻⁶

Results update as you type.

Result

Change in length

0.0048 m

In millimetres
4.8
New length
10.0048 m
Area expansion
0.096 %
Volume expansion
0.144 %

About the Thermal Expansion Calculator

Linear, area and volume expansion of a material when its temperature changes.

Also known as: linear expansion, expansion coefficient, material expansion.

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter original length, coefficient of linear expansion, temperature change.
  2. The result updates instantly as you type — press Calculate (or Enter) at any time.
  3. Review the breakdown shown under the main result.
  4. Use Copy result or Share to save the answer or send a link with your inputs.

Formula

ΔL = L₀ × α × ΔT

Worked example

Using the values pre-filled in the calculator above:

  • Original length = 10 m
  • Coefficient of linear expansion = 0.000012 1/K
  • Temperature change = 40 K

the calculator returns:

  • Change in length: 0.0048 m
  • In millimetres: 4.8
  • New length: 10.0048 m
  • Area expansion: 0.096 %