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Calculators / Science / Heat conduction through a slab
Heat conduction through a slab calculator
Estimate steady heat conduction through one flat homogeneous layer.
On this page
Heat flow80W
Calculator controls
How to calculate
Estimate steady heat conduction through one flat homogeneous layer.
Heat flow = k*a*t/l W
Worked example
Thermal conductivity (W/m·K): 0.04; Slab area (m²): 10; Temperature difference (K): 20; Slab thickness (m): 0.1.
Heat flow: 80 W.
Assumptions and limits
Uses Fourier’s one-dimensional steady model. Excludes convection, radiation, thermal bridges and contact resistance; conductivity may vary with temperature.
Results are rounded for display; calculations use unrounded values. Read our calculation methodology.
Understanding the result
Estimate steady heat conduction through one flat homogeneous layer.
When this tool is useful
Heat flow = k*a*t/l W
Understanding your inputs
| Input | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Thermal conductivity (W/m·K) | Enter a number of at least 1e-12 and no more than 1000000000000. |
| Slab area (m²) | Enter a number of at least 0 and no more than 1000000000000. |
| Temperature difference (K) | Enter a number of at least -1000000000000 and no more than 1000000000000. |
| Slab thickness (m) | Enter a number of at least 1e-12 and no more than 1000000000000. |
Frequently asked questions
What assumptions does this calculation use?
Uses Fourier’s one-dimensional steady model. Excludes convection, radiation, thermal bridges and contact resistance; conductivity may vary with temperature.
How is the result calculated?
Heat flow = k*a*t/l W