What Is This Tool?
This tool converts thermal conductivity measurements from the SI unit watt per meter per kelvin (W/(m·K)) to the Imperial unit Btu (th) inch/second/sq. foot/°F. It helps translate values between unit systems commonly used in building, HVAC, electronics, and geothermal engineering.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the thermal conductivity value in watt per meter per kelvin [W/(m*K)]
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Select watt/meter/K as the input unit and Btu (th) inch/second/sq. foot/°F as the output unit
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Click the convert button to see the result instantly
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Use the output value for engineering analyses or reporting in Imperial units
Key Features
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Converts thermal conductivity units between SI and Imperial systems
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Supports conversion from watt/meter/K [W/(m*K)] to Btu (th) inch/second/sq. foot/°F
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Browser-based and easy to use without software installation
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Provides quick and accurate unit transformation for engineering and construction applications
Examples
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Convert 5 W/(m·K): 5 × 0.0019272533 = 0.0096362665 Btu (th) inch/(s·ft²·°F)
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Convert 10 W/(m·K): 10 × 0.0019272533 = 0.019272533 Btu (th) inch/(s·ft²·°F)
Common Use Cases
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Specifying thermal performance of building insulation using US customary units
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Performing conduction heat transfer calculations in Imperial units for older engineering standards
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Converting material thermal conductivity data between SI and Imperial units for HVAC and building-envelope assessments
Tips & Best Practices
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Ensure consistent unit conditions such as thickness, area, and temperature difference when applying conversions
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Keep in mind this conversion assumes steady-state heat conduction through uniform materials
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Use converted values carefully in precision-sensitive calculations due to minor rounding differences
Limitations
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Assumes steady-state heat transfer in uniform materials
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Specific to thermochemical Btu and requires consistent physical conditions for proper use
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Minor discrepancies might occur in engineering calculations due to unit definition differences and rounding
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does watt per meter per kelvin measure?
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It measures the rate of heat transfer through a material per unit area and temperature gradient across a one-meter thickness, used in thermal conductivity.
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Why convert to Btu (th) inch/second/sq. foot/°F?
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To express thermal conductivity in US customary units for compatibility with HVAC designs, building-envelope calculations, and older engineering standards.
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Are there limitations to this conversion?
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Yes, the conversion assumes steady-state conduction and consistent unit conditions and may have minor precision discrepancies due to unit differences.
Key Terminology
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Watt per meter per kelvin [W/(m·K)]
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An SI derived unit measuring thermal conductivity as heat transfer rate through a material per meter thickness per kelvin temperature difference.
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Btu (th) inch/second/sq. foot/°F
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An Imperial thermal conductivity unit representing heat transferred per second through a 1-inch thickness with 1 square foot area at 1 °F temperature difference.
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Thermal conductivity
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A property indicating how well a material conducts heat, important for heat transfer calculations.