Enter the total thickness of the wall, the overall heat transfer coefficient, and the wall’s surface area into the calculator to determine the R-value of a masonry wall. This calculator can also evaluate any of the variables given the others are known.

Masonry Wall R-Value Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the R-Value of a masonry wall.

R = T / (U * A)

Variables:

  • R is the R-Value of the masonry wall
  • T is the total thickness of the wall in inches
  • U is the overall heat transfer coefficient
  • A is the wall’s surface area in square feet

To calculate the R-Value of a masonry wall, divide the total thickness of the wall by the product of the overall heat transfer coefficient and the wall’s surface area. The result is the R-Value, which measures the wall’s resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-Value, the better the wall’s insulation properties.

What is a Masonry Wall R-Value?

The R-value of a masonry wall refers to its resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the wall is at insulating and preventing heat transfer, which can help to reduce energy costs. This value is determined by the type of material used, its thickness, and its density. Common materials used in masonry walls include brick, concrete, and stone.

How to Calculate Masonry Wall R-Value?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Masonry Wall R-Value.


  1. First, determine the total thickness of the wall in inches (T).
  2. Next, determine the overall heat transfer coefficient (U).
  3. Next, determine the wall’s surface area in square feet (A).
  4. Next, gather the formula from above = R = T / (U * A).
  5. Finally, calculate the Masonry Wall R-Value.
  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.

Total thickness of the wall in inches (T) = 8

Overall heat transfer coefficient (U) = 0.05

Wall’s surface area in square feet (A) = 100