About Thermal Resistance Converter

Our thermal resistance converter tool helps you convert between different units of thermal resistance quickly and accurately. Thermal resistance is a measure of a material's ability to resist heat flow and is essential in thermal engineering, building design, and heat transfer analysis.

Common Use Cases

• Building Design: Convert between SI and imperial units for thermal insulation calculations
• HVAC Engineering: Work with different thermal resistance units in heating and cooling system design
• Thermal Engineering: Convert units for heat transfer equipment and insulation analysis
• Energy Efficiency: Use appropriate units for building envelope and insulation performance

What is Thermal Resistance?

Thermal resistance (R) is a measure of a material's ability to resist heat flow. It is defined as the temperature difference across a material divided by the heat flow rate through it. Thermal resistance is the reciprocal of thermal conductance and is commonly used in building science and thermal engineering.

Key Applications

• Building Insulation: Determines heat loss through walls, roofs, and floors
• Heat Exchangers: Affects heat transfer efficiency and equipment performance
• Electronics Cooling: Critical for thermal management of electronic components
• Energy Efficiency: Influences building energy consumption and thermal comfort

Common Thermal Resistance Values

• Fiberglass Insulation (3.5 inch): ~R-13 (2.3 m²·K/W)
• Fiberglass Insulation (6 inch): ~R-19 (3.3 m²·K/W)
• Spray Foam Insulation (1 inch): ~R-6 (1.1 m²·K/W)
• Concrete (8 inch): ~R-1 (0.18 m²·K/W)
• Wood Siding (0.5 inch): ~R-0.8 (0.14 m²·K/W)
• Single Glazing: ~R-1 (0.18 m²·K/W)

Relationship to Thermal Conductivity

Thermal resistance is related to thermal conductivity by:

R = L / k

Where:
R = Thermal resistance
L = Thickness of the material
k = Thermal conductivity