Heat Transfer Conduction Calculator

Summary

Enter material conductivity, area, thickness, and temperature difference to find the steady-state heat flow rate using Fourier's law.

How it works

1. Select a material from the presets — its thermal conductivity (k) fills automatically — or choose "Custom" and enter k in W/(m·K).
2. Enter the cross-sectional area (A) of the surface through which heat flows.
3. Enter the thickness (d) of the material layer.
4. Enter the hot-side and cold-side temperatures; pick °C, °F, or K.
5. Click Calculate — the tool evaluates Q/t = k·A·ΔT/d and displays the heat flow rate in watts.
6. A step-by-step breakdown shows each substitution so you can verify the arithmetic.

Use cases

• Estimating heat loss through a wall, window, or insulation panel.
• Choosing the right insulation material for a building or industrial pipe.
• Physics and engineering homework on Fourier's law of conduction.
• Comparing how fast heat flows through copper vs. wood vs. glass.
• HVAC design — calculating heat gain or loss through structural elements.
• Lab reports and thermal-engineering coursework requiring unit-correct answers.

Frequently Asked Questions