Science
Heat conduction through a slab
Estimate steady heat conduction through one flat homogeneous layer.
Calculators / Science / Convective heat transfer coefficient
Convective heat transfer coefficient calculator
Infer an average convective heat-transfer coefficient from heat flow, area and temperature difference.
On this page
Heat transfer coefficient10W/m²·K
Calculator controls
How to calculate
Infer an average convective heat-transfer coefficient from heat flow, area and temperature difference.
Heat transfer coefficient = q/(a*t) W/m²·K
Worked example
Heat flow (W): 400; Surface area (m²): 2; Surface-to-fluid temperature difference (K): 20.
Heat transfer coefficient: 10 W/m²·K.
Assumptions and limits
Temperature difference must be nonzero and have the same sign as heat flow. Radiation and conduction contributions must be excluded from the supplied heat flow.
Results are rounded for display; calculations use unrounded values. Read our calculation methodology.
Understanding the result
Infer an average convective heat-transfer coefficient from heat flow, area and temperature difference.
When this tool is useful
Heat transfer coefficient = q/(a*t) W/m²·K
Understanding your inputs
| Input | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Heat flow (W) | Enter a number of at least -1000000000000 and no more than 1000000000000. |
| Surface area (m²) | Enter a number of at least 1e-12 and no more than 1000000000000. |
| Surface-to-fluid temperature difference (K) | Enter a number of at least -1000000000000 and no more than 1000000000000. |
Frequently asked questions
What assumptions does this calculation use?
Temperature difference must be nonzero and have the same sign as heat flow. Radiation and conduction contributions must be excluded from the supplied heat flow.
How is the result calculated?
Heat transfer coefficient = q/(a*t) W/m²·K