Conductivity Calculator: Electrical Conductivity...
Calculate electrical conductivity and resistivity of materials. Understand how temperature, impurities, and material type affect how well materials conduct electr...
What is Electrical Conductivity?
Electrical conductivity (σ) measures how well a material allows electric current to flow. It is the reciprocal of resistivity (ρ). Metals are good conductors (σ~10⁷ S/m), semiconductors are moderate, and insulators have very low conductivity (~10⁻¹⁵ S/m). Temperature, crystal structure, and impurities all affect conductivity.
⚡ Conductivity Calculator
Free calculator for instant results.
📐 Formula
σ = 1/ρ = J/E
σ = conductivity (S/m or Ω⁻¹m⁻¹), ρ = resistivity (Ω·m), J = current density (A/m²), E = electric field (V/m). Also: R = ρL/A.
📝 Worked Example
Copper: ρ = 1.72×10⁻⁸ Ω·m
σ = 1/ρ = 5.81×10⁷ S/m
A copper wire 1m long, 1mm² cross-section:
R = ρL/A = 1.72×10⁻⁸ × 1 / 10⁻⁶ = 0.0172 Ω
📝 How to Use
❓ FAQ
What makes copper a better conductor than iron?
Copper has more free electrons per atom and smaller electron scattering cross-section, giving it lower resistivity (1.72 vs 10 μΩ·cm).
Why do semiconductors conduct better when heated?
Unlike metals, semiconductor conductivity increases with temperature because thermal energy excites more electrons across the band gap into the conduction band.
Veer Kumavat
Founder & AuthorVeer is a 14-year-old student from Nashik, Maharashtra, who built SciFi Calculators to help students worldwide master STEM subjects. He is passionate about making complex science and math problems accessible through intuitive digital tools.