Resistance Temperature Calculator

How Resistance Temperature works

The calculation starts with R = R₀ × (1 + αΔT). Resistance Temperature uses Reference resistance, Temperature coefficient, Temperature change to report Resistance at new temperature. Continue to Ohm's Law Calculator for voltage.

In the loaded Resistance Temperature case, resistance at new temperature equals 119.25 Ω. Change only the quantity being investigated.

Resistance Temperature pairs two Reference resistance cases. At 100 Ω, the page reports 119.25 Ω; at 110 Ω, it reports 131.18 Ω. Resistance Temperature holds temperature coefficient, temperature change unchanged. Better reference resistance precision matters when resistance at new temperature changes materially.

Inputs for Resistance Temperature

Reference resistance, Temperature coefficient, and Temperature change belong to Resistance Temperature. Keep source units with reference resistance.

The preset case is instructional rather than prescriptive. Enter the applicable electrical data.

Reference resistance

Example entry: 100 Ω.

Temperature coefficient

Example entry: 0.00385 /°C.

Temperature change

Example entry: 50 °C.

Convert Reference resistance for Resistance Temperature. Store original and converted reference resistance values for Resistance Temperature. Prefix errors alter resistance at new temperature.

For Resistance Temperature, record reference resistance, temperature coefficient, temperature change. Record Reference resistance state for Resistance Temperature. Keep resistance at new temperature unrounded.

Classify Reference resistance as continuous, intermittent, peak, or nominal. Resistance Temperature accepts one entry. Separate resistance at new temperature cases when reference resistance varies.

Reading the Resistance Temperature result

This output represents Resistance Temperature.

Standard size, duty, temperature, and transient checks remain outside this single equation. Use Conductor Resistance Calculator.

Use Resistance at new temperature to apply a linear resistance temperature coefficient. Compare it with measured voltage, current, resistance, and component dissipation. Resistance at new temperature does not override another Electrical Fundamentals limit.

Keep the Resistance at new temperature definition during conversion. Preserve Ω for Resistance Temperature. Use resistance at new temperature when interpreting Electrical Fundamentals units.

Measurement and units

Use measured values and keep prefixes such as milli, kilo, and mega consistent before calculating. Check prefixes on reference resistance. For current through R1, use Current Divider Calculator.

Keep the same electrical reference points across saved cases.

Limits of this calculation

The linear coefficient is an approximation over a limited temperature range.

Resistance Temperature omits effects absent from its entered values.

Evaluate lead resistance, contact resistance, source impedance, and temperature drift separately. In Resistance Temperature, represent each effect through Reference resistance. Document reference resistance allowances.

A useful Resistance Temperature comparison

Record resistance at new temperature before testing a different reference resistance value.

Document the alternate reference resistance source. Compare this result with Electrical Energy Calculator when electrical energy is also needed.

Questions about Resistance Temperature