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Heat Transfer Coefficient Converter

Convert convective heat transfer coefficients between W/(m²·K), kW/(m²·K), W/(cm²·K), and International Btu/(h·ft²·°F).

Convert instantly
Enter a value and choose the units. Your answer updates as you type.

Result

0.001 Kilowatt per square meter kelvin (kW/(m²·K))

Quick reference
  • Watt per square meter kelvin (W/(m²·K))1 base units
  • Kilowatt per square meter kelvin (kW/(m²·K))1000 base units
  • Watt per square centimeter kelvin (W/(cm²·K))10000 base units
  • International Btu per hour square foot Fahrenheit (Btu/(h·ft²·°F))5.678263341113487 base units
  • Kilocalorie per hour square meter Celsius (kcal/(h·m²·°C))1.162222 base units

About the Heat Transfer Coefficient Converter

The heat transfer coefficient h describes convective or surface heat transfer per area and temperature difference. It is used for air cooling, boiling, condensation, HVAC, and heat-exchanger design; typical values vary widely with fluid motion and geometry. The SI unit is W/(m²·K), and 1 Btu/(h·ft²·°F) is approximately 5.678263 W/(m²·K).

Convert a film coefficient from a datasheet as you type—for example, 10 W/(m²·K) is about 1.7612 Btu/(h·ft²·°F). Pair it with the Heat Flux Density Converter for q'' = hΔT, or use Thermal Resistance Converter for an area-normalized resistance view.

Frequently asked questions

What does the heat transfer coefficient represent?

It relates surface heat flux to a surface-to-fluid temperature difference, commonly through q'' = hΔT.

Is the coefficient a material constant?

Usually no. It depends on fluid properties, flow, geometry, and the operating regime.

How do I convert Btu/(h·ft²·°F) to SI?

Multiply by approximately 5.678263 to obtain W/(m²·K).

Take this calculation further

Browse the converters calculators collection for more tools in this subject.

For a related calculation, use Fuel Consumption Converter to convert fuel economy between US mpg, Imperial mpg, liters per 100 km, and kilometers per liter using correct inverse formulas. Alternatively, use Heat Flux Density Converter to convert heat flux density between W/m², kW/m², W/cm², calories per second per cm², and International Btu per hour per ft².

For the underlying method, read A Practical Guide to Thermal Conductivity and Insulation.