# Heat Transfer Coefficient Converter (W/(m²·K) ↔ kcal) Convert convective heat transfer coefficient (film coefficient h) between W/(m²·K) (watt per square metre-kelvin, SI base, = W/(m²·°C)) and kcal/(m²·h·°C) (1 = 1.1627778 W/(m²·K)). Converts via W/(m²·K) and lists both equivalents. h depends on flow regime and surface, not material. Typical ranges: natural-convection air ≈ 5–25, forced air ≈ 25–250, still water ≈ 100–1000, boiling/condensing water ≈ 2500–50000+ W/(m²·K). > Canonical page: https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/heat-transfer-coefficient-converter - **Category:** Math & Numbers - **Keywords:** heat transfer coefficient, film coefficient, convective heat transfer, W/(m²·K), watt per square metre kelvin, kcal/(m²·h·°C), kilocalorie, convection, heat exchanger, thermodynamics, surface heat transfer ## Overview Convert a non-negative convective heat transfer coefficient between W/(m²·K) and kcal/(m²·h·°C). Enter a value, choose the input and output units, and set the number of decimal places for a clear result with both unit equivalents. ## Inputs - **Input unit** (select) - **Value** (number): Heat transfer coefficient in the selected Input unit. Must be non-negative. - **Output unit** (select) - **Decimal Places** (number) ## When to use - Convert SI heat transfer coefficients in W/(m²·K) to kcal/(m²·h·°C) for engineering calculations. - Convert legacy or reference values in kcal/(m²·h·°C) to W/(m²·K). - Check heat exchanger, convection, boiling, or condensation coefficients against typical heat transfer ranges. ## How it works - Enter a non-negative heat transfer coefficient value. - Select the input unit and the output unit. - The converter uses W/(m²·K) as the intermediate unit and applies 1 kcal/(m²·h·°C) = 1.1627778 W/(m²·K). - Choose between 0 and 10 decimal places, then review the converted value and both unit equivalents. ## Use cases - Compare natural-convection air values of about 5–25 W/(m²·K) with forced-air values of about 25–250 W/(m²·K). - Convert heat transfer coefficients used in heat exchanger and thermodynamics references. - Review high-coefficient boiling or condensation values, which can exceed 2,500 W/(m²·K). ## Frequently asked questions ### Which units does this converter support? It converts between W/(m²·K) and kcal/(m²·h·°C). ### What does the heat transfer coefficient represent? It is the convective surface or film coefficient, commonly written as h. ### Can I enter a negative value? No. The value must be non-negative. ### What conversion factor is used? 1 kcal/(m²·h·°C) equals 1.1627778 W/(m²·K). ### Does the converter determine the correct h value for a material? No. The heat transfer coefficient depends on the flow regime and surface, not only on the material. ## Related tools - [Air Changes per Hour (ACH, n = Q/V)](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/air-changes-per-hour): Compute the air change rate (ACH / n) of a room from the outdoor supply airflow Q and the room volume V: n = Q/V (1/h). Three modes: solve ACH (given Q and V), solve airflow (given n and V), or solve volume (given n and Q). Flow in m³/s/m³/h/CFM, volume in m³/ft³/L. 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