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NTC Thermistor Calculator (Beta)

Compute an NTC thermistor's resistance at a temperature, or the temperature from a measured resistance, using the Beta model.

Resistance
3.588 kΩ
at 50 °C

Beta model: 1/T = 1/T₀ + (1/B)·ln(R/R₀), T in kelvin, T₀ = 298.15 K. Accurate to a few °C over 0–100 °C; use Steinhart–Hart for wider ranges.

Disclaimer: This calculator is provided for general informational and educational purposes only, on an “as is” basis and without any warranty of accuracy or fitness for a particular purpose. Results may contain errors — always verify independently before relying on them in real designs. PartAndStock accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from use of this tool, including when embedded on third-party sites.

How to use

  1. 1Enter the thermistor's nominal resistance at 25 °C (R₂₅) and the Beta value from its datasheet.
  2. 2Pick the mode: temperature → resistance, or measured resistance → temperature.
  3. 3Enter the temperature (°C) or measured resistance (kΩ); the result is computed instantly.

How it works

Enter the nominal resistance (R₂₅) and Beta coefficient to find the resistance at a given temperature, or the temperature from a measured resistance, via the Beta equation.

1/T = 1/T₀ + (1/B)·ln(R/R₀) → R = R₀·e^{B(1/T − 1/T₀)} (T in kelvin, T₀ = 298.15 K)

How the Beta model works

An NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) thermistor's resistance falls exponentially as temperature rises. The Beta model approximates this with a single coefficient (B, in kelvin): 1/T = 1/T₀ + (1/B)·ln(R/R₀), where R₀ is the resistance at the reference temperature (T₀ = 25 °C = 298.15 K) and B is the curve coefficient, usually given as B25/85 on the datasheet. Temperatures are used in kelvin.

Accuracy and Steinhart–Hart

The Beta model is accurate to a few °C over a narrow band (0–100 °C); the error grows over wide ranges. For high accuracy, use the three-coefficient Steinhart–Hart equation: 1/T = A + B·ln(R) + C·ln³(R). Also keep the sensing current low when reading the thermistor, or self-heating will bias the measurement.

Worked examples

  • R₂₅=10 kΩ, B=3950, T=50 °C → R ≈ 3.60 kΩ
  • R₂₅=10 kΩ, B=3950, T=0 °C → R ≈ 27.3 kΩ
  • R₂₅=10 kΩ, B=3950, measured 3.6 kΩ → T ≈ 50 °C

10 kΩ / B=3950 NTC — Typical Values

TemperatureResistance
0 °C~27.3 kΩ
25 °C10 kΩ
50 °C~3.6 kΩ
85 °C~1.07 kΩ
100 °C~0.68 kΩ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an NTC thermistor's Beta value?+
Beta (B) is a coefficient in kelvin describing how steep the thermistor's resistance–temperature curve is. It's usually given between two temperatures (e.g. B25/85); typical values are 3000–4000 K.
What's the difference between NTC and PTC?+
In an NTC, resistance falls as temperature rises (this tool is for NTC); in a PTC, resistance rises with temperature. NTCs are common for temperature sensing and inrush limiting, PTCs for overcurrent/overtemperature protection.
How accurate is the Beta model?+
It gives a few °C of accuracy over a narrow range (e.g. 0–100 °C). For wide ranges or high accuracy, use the three-coefficient Steinhart–Hart equation.
How do I measure thermistor resistance?+
Typically you form a voltage divider with a fixed resistor and read the midpoint with an ADC; feed that resistance into this tool to get the temperature. Keep the sensing current low to avoid self-heating.
Why convert temperature to kelvin?+
The Beta equation needs absolute temperature. Add 273.15 to the Celsius value to get kelvin (25 °C = 298.15 K); this tool does the conversion automatically.

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