698 tools
All

Insulation R-Value Calculator

Convert an SI R-value into U-value and estimate heat flow through an area at a given temperature difference.

 

 

 

U (W/m²·K)
Heat flow (W)

About this calculator

Use this calculator when a product lists R in m²·K/W and you want U and a watts figure. Enter R, the area, and ΔT.

U = 1 / R. Watts = U × area × ΔT. Area can be entered in square metres (m²) or square feet (ft²). R stays in m²·K/W (SI). ΔT stays in K.

This is a single layer. It does not add air films, thermal bridges, or a U.S. imperial R-value (those are about 5.678 times larger).

R (m²·K/W): SI thermal resistance.

Area: Element area, in m² or ft².

ΔT (K): Indoor minus outdoor, in kelvin.

U (W/m²·K): Thermal transmittance.

Heat flow (W): Steady heat flow in watts.