Enter the distance the heat must travel, the thermal conductivity of the material, and the temperature difference into the calculator to determine the heat transfer time.

Heat Transfer Time Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the heat transfer time.

T = (d²) / (4 * k * ΔT)

Variables:

  • T is the heat transfer time (s)
  • d is the distance the heat must travel (m)
  • k is the thermal conductivity of the material (W/mK)
  • ΔT is the temperature difference between the two points (K)

To calculate the heat transfer time, square the distance the heat must travel. Divide this result by four times the product of the thermal conductivity of the material and the temperature difference between the two points.

What is a Heat Transfer Time?

Heat transfer time refers to the duration required for heat to move from one point to another within a substance or system. This concept is crucial in various fields such as engineering and physics. The rate of heat transfer is influenced by factors such as the temperature difference between the two points, the material’s thermal conductivity, and the distance the heat must travel. The calculation of heat transfer time is essential in designing and optimizing systems like heating and cooling systems, engines, and electronic devices.

How to Calculate Heat Transfer Time?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Heat Transfer Time.


  1. First, determine the distance the heat must travel (d) in meters.
  2. Next, determine the thermal conductivity of the material (k) in W/mK.
  3. Next, determine the temperature difference between the two points (ΔT) in Kelvin.
  4. Next, gather the formula from above: T = (d²) / (4 * k * ΔT).
  5. Finally, calculate the Heat Transfer Time (T) in seconds.
  6. After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem:

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

distance (d) = 10 meters

thermal conductivity (k) = 5 W/mK

temperature difference (ΔT) = 20 K