Estimate conductivity changes with temperature, derive coefficients, solve inverse cases, compare materials, and export calculation results with transparent engineering steps.
Choose the model that matches your known temperature coefficient. Material presets are approximate reference values near room temperature.
Enter values and select Calculate to see the working steps.
| Temperature (°C) | Conductivity (S/m) | Resistivity (Ω·m) | Change (%) |
|---|
Electrical conductivity describes how easily charge moves through a material. Its reciprocal is electrical resistivity. Temperature can change both properties because atomic vibration and carrier behavior change with thermal energy. For many common metals, resistivity increases as temperature rises. Conductivity therefore falls over the same range. Engineers often store the temperature coefficient of resistivity because its room-temperature behavior is convenient and approximately linear.
This calculator supports two models. The recommended metal model applies a linear correction to resistivity, then converts the corrected value back to conductivity. The direct model applies a linear coefficient directly to conductivity. These coefficients should not be mixed. For small temperature changes, a conductivity coefficient may be approximately the negative of the resistivity coefficient. Larger changes require more care because taking a reciprocal introduces nonlinearity.
Start with a trusted reference value and its corresponding temperature. Select units before entering values, because conductivity and resistivity span many orders of magnitude. A material preset can provide a quick estimate, but published values depend on purity, alloy composition, manufacturing history, and temperature range. Use measured coefficients when precision matters.
The temperature sweep helps reveal how strongly the selected model changes conductivity. Percentage change is useful when comparing conductors with different baseline values. Inverse mode can estimate the temperature associated with a measured conductivity, assuming the chosen model remains valid. This is useful for sensor interpretation, cable calculations, laboratory work, and educational exercises.
A constant coefficient is only an approximation. Semiconductors, electrolytes, composites, and extreme temperatures can behave very differently. Phase changes and material aging can also invalidate a simple linear model. Use detailed manufacturer data or higher-order equations when the operating range is broad or safety margins are tight. Always keep units consistent, confirm the coefficient definition, and document the reference temperature used carefully.
Approximate room-temperature values for demonstration. Actual values vary by purity and source.
| Material | Conductivity at ~20°C (S/m) | Resistivity coefficient αρ (1/°C) | Typical behavior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper | 5.96 × 107 | 0.00393 | Conductivity decreases with heat |
| Aluminum | 3.50 × 107 | 0.00403 | Conductivity decreases with heat |
| Silver | 6.30 × 107 | 0.00380 | Very high conductivity |
| Gold | 4.10 × 107 | 0.00340 | Stable, corrosion resistant |
| Iron | 1.00 × 107 | 0.00500 | Stronger temperature response |
| Tungsten | 1.79 × 107 | 0.00450 | Useful at high temperatures |
It describes the relative change in conductivity per unit temperature change under a stated model and reference condition.
No. Resistivity and conductivity are reciprocals, so their exact temperature relationships differ. Their coefficients are only approximately opposite for small changes.
Metal handbooks commonly publish a resistivity temperature coefficient, making the resistivity-first calculation less ambiguous.
Yes. Temperature differences in kelvins and degrees Celsius are numerically equal. Absolute temperatures are converted internally.
Under the direct linear model, it means conductivity decreases as temperature rises.
Purity, alloying, processing, frequency, measurement method, and temperature range can all affect electrical properties.
Only as a rough local approximation when a valid linear coefficient is known. Semiconductor conductivity is often strongly nonlinear.
The calculator warns that the selected linear model has moved outside a physically meaningful range.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.