Engineering

Thermal Expansion Calculator

Length change with temperature.

Enter your values

Results update instantly as you type — no submit needed.

Results
Length change
5.04 mm
New length
12.00504 m
Strain
4.200e-4
Expansion gap advised
7.6 mm

Quick answer

Linear expansion equals the coefficient times original length times temperature change.

ΔL = α × L × ΔT

How to use the Thermal Expansion Calculator

  1. 1Enter the original length.
  2. 2Pick the material.
  3. 3Enter the temperature swing it will experience.

Frequently asked questions

Why leave an expansion gap?

Restrained expansion generates huge forces and cracks structures.

Does it work for cooling?

Yes — enter a negative temperature change.