What Is This Tool?
This converter allows you to translate thermal conductivity values between watt per meter per kelvin (W/(m·K)) and Btu (IT) inch/hour/sq. foot/°F, enabling compatibility between SI and imperial unit systems widely used in insulation and HVAC contexts.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the value in watt per meter per kelvin (W/(m·K)) to convert.
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Select the desired output unit: Btu (IT) inch/hour/sq. foot/°F.
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Click the convert button to get the corresponding value.
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Use results for accurate thermal performance analysis and specification.
Key Features
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Converts thermal conductivity units from W/(m·K) to Btu (IT) inch/hour/sq. foot/°F.
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Supports building insulation and HVAC engineering unit standards.
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Provides quick and accurate unit conversions based on standard rates.
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Browser-based and easy to use without installation.
Examples
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2 W/(m·K) equals 13.866943597 Btu (IT) inch/hour/sq. foot/°F.
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0.5 W/(m·K) converts to 3.46673589925 Btu (IT) inch/hour/sq. foot/°F.
Common Use Cases
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Specifying thermal performance in building insulation materials like fiberglass and foam.
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Designing heat sinks and thermal paths in electronics and power equipment.
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Modeling heat transfer for geothermal and geotechnical engineering.
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Aligning thermal conductivity units with North American building and HVAC engineering standards.
Tips & Best Practices
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Ensure consistent measurement units when converting between SI and imperial systems.
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Use this converter for correct specification in building product datasheets and energy models.
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Verify the context of thermal conductivity when applying conversion results in design tasks.
Limitations
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Conversion requires careful attention due to different unit systems (SI vs imperial).
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Assumes standard temperature gradients and material thicknesses defined per unit conventions.
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Practical accuracy may vary because of environmental conditions and measurement methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does watt per meter per kelvin measure?
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It measures thermal conductivity representing heat transfer rate per unit area and temperature gradient for a thickness of one meter.
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Why convert to Btu (IT) inch/hour/sq. foot/°F?
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This unit is commonly used in North American building, insulation, and HVAC engineering to specify thermal conductivity following imperial measurement standards.
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Is the conversion constant across all materials?
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The conversion factor is fixed, but practical results depend on standardized temperature gradients and material thickness assumptions.
Key Terminology
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Watt per meter per kelvin (W/(m·K))
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An SI derived unit measuring the rate of heat transfer through a material with a one-meter thickness per unit area and temperature difference.
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Btu (IT) inch/hour/sq. foot/°F
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A unit measuring thermal conductivity as British thermal units transferred per hour through a material one inch thick per square foot for a one degree Fahrenheit difference.
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Thermal conductivity
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The property of a material that indicates its ability to conduct heat.