How do you calculate a Coefficient of thermal expansion?

The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) is calculated by measuring the change in length or volume of a material as it is subjected to a change in temperature. The formula is given by:

[ \alpha = \frac{\Delta L / L_0}{\Delta T} ]

where (\alpha) is the CTE, (\Delta L) is the change in length, (L_0) is the original length, and (\Delta T) is the change in temperature. This value is typically expressed in units of inverse temperature, such as per degree Celsius (°C⁻¹).