Thermal Comfort Index Calculator
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Table of Contents
What is the Thermal Comfort Index?
Thermal Comfort Index (TCI) shows how temperature and humidity affect comfort. It helps you check how hot or cold a person may feel in a fabric or environment. TCI is important in textile production. It shows how fabrics feel on the skin. A good fabric should allow airflow and control moisture. As a textile engineer, I use TCI in daily fabric checks. It helps us match fabric to climate conditions.
Formula of Thermal Comfort Index
The Thermal Comfort Index (TCI) can be calculated using the following formula:
TCI = 0.6 × T + 0.2 × RH + 0.1 × WS + 0.1 × MR
Where:
- T = Air Temperature (°C)
- RH = Relative Humidity (%)
- WS = Wind Speed (m/s)
- MR = Mean Radiant Temperature (°C)
Why TCI Matters in Textile Manufacturing
Fabric comfort depends on how it interacts with skin and air. If TCI is too high, the fabric may feel too hot. If TCI is low, the fabric may feel cold and damp. As a textile engineer, I test fabric samples in different TCI ranges. I choose lightweight and breathable fabrics for summer and dense, warm fabrics for winter.
Fashion designers use TCI to match clothes to seasons. A shirt for hot weather should have low thermal resistance and high breathability. I always use the TCI calculator before selecting fabric for activewear and summer collections.
How to Use the Thermal Comfort Index Calculator
- Enter the air temperature in Celsius.
- Enter the relative humidity in percentage.
- Click the Calculate button.
- The result shows the perceived temperature (TCI).
- Use the Refresh button to reset the fields.
We added default values (25°C temperature and 60% humidity). These values represent a mild and humid environment. Users can click calculate and get instant results.
Comfort Range by TCI
| TCI (°C) | Comfort Level |
|---|---|
| 20–22 | Cool and Comfortable |
| 23–26 | Neutral and Pleasant |
| 27–29 | Slightly Warm |
| 30+ | Hot and Uncomfortable |
Fabrics that match the 23–26°C TCI range are ideal for everyday use.
Benefits of Using a TCI Calculator in the Textile Field
You don’t need a lab to feel comfortable. The calculator gives fast results using temperature and humidity.
TCI results guide you in picking the right fabric. I use it before selecting material for garments in tropical or cold climates.
When you use the TCI data, the final clothes feel better. Buyers notice the difference, especially in sportswear and outdoor wear.
Who Should Use the TCI Calculator?
- Textile engineers
- Fashion designers
- Garment manufacturers
- Quality control teams
- Researchers
- Students of textile engineering
- Weather-based fabric producers
- If you work with fabric or comfort, this tool helps you get clear results fast.
Final Thoughts
Thermal Comfort Index Calculator is a helpful tool in fabric planning. It uses air temperature and humidity to show how fabric feels. As a textile engineer, I rely on this method to make climate-friendly and skin-friendly clothes. It helps in fashion design, production, and testing. Use the TCI calculator to check fabric comfort before making a decision. It saves time, adds accuracy, and boosts garment performance.