Heat Shrink Size Calculator

Calculate heat shrink tubing recovered size from supplied diameter and shrink ratio, or estimate the suggested tube size for an object diameter.

Shrink Result

Tube Size Selector

Heat Shrink Size Formula

The following formula is used to estimate the recovered (after shrinking) size of heat-shrink tubing from its as-supplied size and shrink ratio.

NS = OS \cdot \frac{Y}{X}

Where NS is the new (recovered) size
OS is the original (as-supplied) size
X:Y is the heat shrink ratio of the tubing (for example 2:1, 3:1, or 4:1), as specified by the manufacturer (X is the as-supplied dimension and Y is the recovered dimension)

To calculate the recovered size from heat-shrink tubing, multiply the as-supplied size by Y/X (for common ratios like 2:1 where Y = 1, this is the same as dividing by X).

Heat Shrink Size Definition

Heat shrink size typically refers to the size (often the diameter) of heat-shrink tubing either as supplied (before heating) or recovered (after heating). The shrink ratio describes how the tubing’s size changes from as-supplied to recovered.

Heat Shrink Size Example

How to calculate a heat shrink size?

First, determine the original size.
Measure the as-supplied size of the heat-shrink tube (before heating).
Next, determine the heat shrink ratio.
This is the manufacturer-specified ratio of the tubing’s as-supplied size to its recovered size after heat is applied (for example, 2:1).
Finally, calculate the heat shrink size.
Calculate the recovered size of the heat shrink tubing using the equation above.

FAQ

What is a normal heat shrink ratio?

Common heat-shrink tubing ratios are typically 2:1 or 3:1, with higher ratios (such as 4:1 or 6:1) also available depending on the product.