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Heat Exchanger NTU Calculator — Effectiveness, Duty & Outlets

Solve NTU-effectiveness for counterflow or parallel flow from hot/cold capacity rates, UA and inlet temperatures; report effectiveness, duty and outlet temperatures.

Last updated: September 17, 2026

Results

Use positive capacity rates, non-negative UA, and hot inlet above cold inlet

Reverse-size UA from target effectiveness

Enter capacity rates and a target between 0 and 100%.

Formula, example and assumptions

NTU=UA/Cmin; Cr=Cmin/Cmax; Q=εCmin(Thi−Tci).

For NTU=2 and Cr=0.5, counterflow effectiveness is about 77.5%.

  • Single-phase constant-property sensible heat transfer is assumed.
  • Flow arrangement must match the selected effectiveness relation.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Heat Exchanger NTU Calculator calculate?

Solve NTU-effectiveness for counterflow or parallel flow from hot/cold capacity rates, UA and inlet temperatures; report effectiveness, duty and outlet temperatures.

Which units should I use?

The input labels show the required SI units. Keep properties and geometry consistent before using the result in another engineering calculation.

Can I use this result for design?

Use it for transparent engineering estimates and checks. Validate property data, geometry, correlations and applicable codes for safety-critical design.

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