Thermal Conductivity Converter
Convert between 5 units of thermal conductivity — W/(m·K), W/(cm·K), BTU/(h·ft·°F), cal/(s·cm·°C), and kcal/(h·m·°C).
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About the Thermal Conductivity Converter
Thermal conductivity measures how readily a material transfers heat by conduction. High values mean the material conducts heat well (metals, diamonds); low values mean it insulates (aerogel, air). The SI unit is W/(m·K). Building engineers use it to calculate R-values and U-values for insulation. Materials scientists use it to design heat sinks, thermal interface materials, and electronics cooling systems.
Quick facts
- ›Diamond has the highest thermal conductivity of any natural material: ~2,200 W/(m·K)
- ›Copper (385 W/(m·K)) conducts heat ~600× better than glass (1 W/(m·K))
- ›Aerogel has a thermal conductivity as low as 0.015 W/(m·K) — better than still air at 0.025
- ›R-value used in US building codes = thickness ÷ thermal conductivity (higher R = better insulation)
Common uses: Building insulation, electronics cooling, heat exchangers, materials science, HVAC