Thermal Conductivity Converter

Convert thermal conductivity between W/(m·K), W/(cm·°C), kW/(m·K), Btu, and other thermal conductivity units with scientific precision.

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Thermal Conductivity Units Explained

Watt/Meter/Kelvin (W/(m·K))

The SI unit of thermal conductivity. It represents the heat flow in watts through a material 1 meter thick with a temperature difference of 1 kelvin. k = Q × d / (A × ΔT).

Common uses: International standards, scientific research, material datasheets, engineering calculations.

Watt/Centimeter/°C (W/(cm·°C))

Thermal conductivity using centimeter and Celsius units. 1 W/(cm·°C) = 10 W/(m·K).

Note: Common in some older scientific publications and regional standards.

Kilowatt/Meter/Kelvin (kW/(m·K))

Thermal conductivity in kilowatts per meter per kelvin, used for highly conductive materials. 1 kW/(m·K) = 1000 W/(m·K).

Common uses: Metals, high-conductivity materials, aerospace applications.

Calorie/Second/Centimeter/°C

Thermal conductivity using calorie, second, centimeter, and Celsius units. Used in some historical scientific texts and regional standards.

Conversion: 1 cal(IT)/(s·cm·°C) ≈ 2.389 W/(m·K)

Kilocalorie/Hour/Meter/°C

Thermal conductivity using kilocalorie, hour, meter, and Celsius units. Common in some engineering applications and regional standards.

Conversion: 1 kcal(IT)/(h·m·°C) ≈ 1.163 W/(m·K)

BTU Units (Various)

Thermal conductivity expressed in British Thermal Units with different combinations of time, distance, and temperature units.

Common forms: Btu·in/(h·ft²·°F) and Btu·ft/(h·ft²·°F)

Typical Thermal Conductivity Values (at ~20°C)

  • Diamond: ~2300 W/(m·K) - Excellent conductor
  • Copper: ~401 W/(m·K) - High conductor
  • Aluminum: ~237 W/(m·K) - Good conductor
  • Steel: ~50 W/(m·K) - Moderate conductor
  • Glass: ~1 W/(m·K) - Poor conductor
  • Wood: ~0.1-0.2 W/(m·K) - Very poor conductor
  • Air: ~0.026 W/(m·K) - Insulator
  • Fiberglass insulation: ~0.04 W/(m·K) - Good insulator

Thermal Conductivity Formula

Heat flow through a material is given by Fourier's law: Q = k × A × ΔT / d

  • Q: Heat flow rate (Watts)
  • k: Thermal conductivity (W/(m·K))
  • A: Cross-sectional area (m²)
  • ΔT: Temperature difference (K or °C)
  • d: Material thickness (m)

Temperature Dependence

Thermal conductivity varies significantly with temperature. For metals, it typically decreases with increasing temperature. For gases and liquids, it increases with temperature. Always check material datasheets for values at your operating temperature.

Important: Never assume constant conductivity across large temperature ranges without verification.