engineering

Convection Calculator

Calculate convective heat transfer Q = hA(T_surface - T_fluid) and solve for any unknown

Convection Calculator

Calculate convective heat transfer. Solve for any unknown in Q = hA(T_s − T_f).

Formula

Q = h · A · (T_surface − T_fluid)

Solve For

Result

Heat Transfer Rate Q

2000.00 W

= 2.0000 kW

ΔT = T_s − T_f

80.00 K

Heat Flux q = Q/A

2000.00 W/m²

Typical h Values (W/m²·K)

Free convection — air5–25
Forced convection — air25–250
Forced convection — water100–20 000
Boiling water2 000–100 000
Condensing steam5 000–100 000

How to Use This Calculator

1

Enter your input values

Fill in all required input fields for the Convection Calculator. Most fields include unit selectors so you can work in your preferred unit system.

2

Review your inputs

Double-check that all values are correct and that you have selected the right units for each field. Incorrect units are the most common source of calculation errors.

3

Read the results

The Convection Calculator instantly computes the output and displays results with units. All calculations happen in your browser — no loading time and no data sent to a server.

Formula Reference

Newton's Law of Cooling

Q = h·A·(T_surface − T_fluid)

Variables: h = convection coefficient, A = surface area

When to Use This Calculator

  • Use the Convection Calculator when solving homework or exam problems that require quick numerical verification of your hand calculations.
  • Use it during the design phase to rapidly iterate on parameters before running detailed finite element simulations.
  • Use it when reviewing a colleague's calculation or checking a vendor's data sheet for plausibility.
  • Use it to generate reference data for a technical report or presentation without manual computation.

Related Calculators