What Is R-Factor?

The R-Factor represents a material's ability to resist heat transfer. A higher R-Factor means better insulation and energy efficiency. It’s essential for ensuring proper thermal performance in buildings, HVAC systems, and industrial applications.

Formula for R-Factor

The formula to calculate R-Factor is:

$R = \frac{T}{k}$

Where

R: Thermal resistance (R-Factor)

T: Thickness of the material (in meters or inches)

k: Thermal conductivity of the material (in W/(m·K) or BTU·in/(hr·ft²·°F)

Example Calculation

Let’s say you want to calculate the R-Factor for an insulation material with the following properties:

• Thickness T=0.1 m
• Thermal conductivity k=0.04 W/(m·K)

Substitute Values:

$R = \frac{0.1}{0.04}$

$R = 2.5 \, \text{m².K/W}$