Understanding the Simplified Steinhart-Hart Equation
Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) thermistors change their electrical resistance predictably with temperature variations. While full polynomial Steinhart-Hart equations use three distinct coefficients ($A$, $B$, $C$), the simplified beta parameter formula provides high-precision thermistor calculations suitable for most microcontrollers, industrial sensors, and heating or cooling control systems without heavy computational overhead.
Formula Used in This Tool
The simplified relationship between absolute temperature and resistance relies on the material constant $\beta$ (Beta):
$$\frac{1}{T} = \frac{1}{T_0} + \frac{1}{\beta} \ln\left(\frac{R}{R_0}\right)$$
Where $T$ and $T_0$ represent absolute temperatures in Kelvin, $R$ is the thermistor resistance at temperature $T$, and $R_0$ is the reference resistance at nominal temperature $T_0$ (commonly 25 °C or 298.15 K).
How to Use This Calculator
- Select your desired calculation direction: determining resistance from temperature or vice versa.
- Input the specific thermistor parameters such as the Beta value and base resistance ($R_0$).
- Provide your target input value (temperature or resistance).
- Optionally input circuit parameters like series resistance and supply voltage for voltage divider simulation.
- Click the submit button to view instant engineering results.