Conversion Tools calculator
Temperature Coefficient Calculator
This page is a linear temperature-coefficient calculator for resistance, capacitance, inductance, voltage-reference output, and frequency drift when the datasheet gives one coefficient in ppm/°C or ppm/K. For example, a 1000 ohm value at 100 ppm/°C from 25°C to 75°C screens at 1005 ohms, while a 100 ohm copper preset from 20°C to 90°C screens at 127.51 ohms.
Updated July 16, 2026
A 1,000 ohm resistor with 100 ppm/°C changes by about 5 ohms from 25°C to 75°C, so the screened final value is about 1,005 ohms.
Drift = nominal value x (ppm ÷ 1,000,000) x ΔT | ppm/K gives the same result as ppm/°C for the same temperature span
Enter nominal value, reference and target temperature, and TCR below to screen linear thermal drift
Example Calculations
How to Use
How to use the temperature coefficient calculator
The calculator applies the common linear relationship final value = nominal value × [1 + (ppm × ΔT / 1,000,000)]. Because the formula uses a temperature difference, ppm/K and ppm/°C give the same result for the same span.
1. Choose the parameter and unit
- Select resistance, capacitance, inductance, voltage reference, or frequency.
- Enter the nominal value at the stated reference temperature and choose the matching unit.
2. Enter the temperatures
- Set the reference temperature where the nominal value is valid.
- Set the target temperature where you want to estimate drift.
3. Enter a coefficient or use a material preset
- Use the component datasheet coefficient whenever it is available.
- Material presets are convenient for conductor and resistor screening near room temperature, but they should not replace an actual component specification.
4. Review the drift results
- Value at target temperature gives the linear estimate at the new temperature.
- Absolute change, percent change, and relative change in ppm show the total drift over the full temperature span.
- Drift per degree is useful when you want a quick sensitivity check around the reference point.
Common near-room-temperature resistance coefficients
| Material | Approx. ppm/°C | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Copper | 3930 | Conductor and bus resistance screening |
| Aluminum | 4030 | Conductor resistance screening |
| Nickel | 6810 | Positive temperature-coefficient alloys and sensing elements |
| Manganin | 15 | Precision shunts and low-drift resistors |
| Constantan | 20 | Low-drift resistors and instrumentation parts |
These preset values are engineering references, not guaranteed component ratings. When a part datasheet gives a specific TCR or frequency-drift curve, use the datasheet number instead of a generic material approximation.
For circuit-level follow-up, pair this page with the resistance calculator, voltage divider calculator, and temperature converter.
Common Applications
More applications. Open to review 2 additional use cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a temperature coefficient in ppm/°C?
Temperature coefficient describes how much a value changes per degree of temperature change. A 1000 ohm resistor with a 100 ppm/°C coefficient changes by 0.01% per degree, so over a 50°C rise it drifts by about 0.5%, ending near 1005 ohms.
Is ppm/K the same as ppm/°C in this calculator?
Yes. Kelvin and Celsius have the same size increment, so a temperature difference of 1 K equals a temperature difference of 1°C. When a datasheet gives a coefficient in ppm/K, you can use the same numeric value in this calculator.
When is the linear model good enough?
The linear model is a good screening method when the datasheet provides one coefficient around a stated reference point and the temperature span is moderate. Over very wide spans or when the datasheet shows a curve, tolerance band, or polynomial behavior, the manufacturer model is more reliable.
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