Linear Thermal Expansion

How to use this calculator

1. Enter initial length in m.
2. Enter expansion coefficient in 1/K.
3. Enter temperature change in K.
4. Select Calculate and keep the output unit with the answer.

Before you use the answer

Choose a system boundary and a positive direction before entering measured values. Introductory equations deliberately leave out some real-world effects. If the setup has changing acceleration, drag, losses or nonuniform properties, first decide whether the simplified model is a useful approximation.

It returns the change in length, not final length, and assumes a constant coefficient.

Does it save my inputs?

No calculation history is stored by this website. The calculator works locally in your browser. See the privacy policy for hosting and contact details.

Why might a result be approximate?

Measurement uncertainty, ideal-model assumptions and floating-point rounding can all matter. Displaying more digits does not improve the original measurement.