By Zencalcy Editorial TeamLast reviewed About us
Most materials expand when heated and contract when cooled. The change in length ΔL depends on the original length L₀, the temperature change ΔT and the material's linear expansion coefficient α.
Change in length from temperature change.
ΔL = α L₀ ΔT
α is the linear thermal expansion coefficient (1/°C or 1/K), L₀ the original length and ΔT the temperature change. The new length is L = L₀ + ΔL.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ΔL | Change in length. |
| L₀ | Original length. |
| α | Linear expansion coefficient. |
| ΔT | Temperature change. |
ΔL = 23×10⁻⁶ × 1 × 50 = 0.00115 m = 1.15 mm.
Continue with the Volumetric Thermal Expansion Calculator, Density Calculator, or the Specific Gravity Calculator — or browse more materials and elasticity tools and all physics calculators.
For most engineering materials α is fairly constant over moderate ranges but can vary at extremes.
Results are computed from the standard equations of classical mechanics. Unit conversions use the SI definitions published by NIST. Air resistance is ignored unless the calculator names a drag model.
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Content updated: September 2026