Science & Engineering

Specific Heat Calculator (Q = mcΔT)

Solve the heat equation Q equals mc delta-T for any of the four variables: heat, mass, specific heat, or temperature change. A built-in material picker fills in common specific heat values.

How to use
  1. Choose which variable you want to solve for.
  2. Enter the three known values.
  3. Pick a material to auto-fill its specific heat if needed.
Examples
Heat

leave one field blank to solve for it

Q in kilojoules
Q in calories
Q in kcal
Q in BTU
For study and estimation. Verify against authoritative data before relying on a result.
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How it's calculated

Q = m × c × ΔT

Q = heat energy (J), m = mass (g), c = specific heat capacity (J/g°C), ΔT = temperature change (°C). Any one unknown is solved from the other three.

Common questions

What does specific heat mean?

It is the energy needed to raise one unit of mass of a substance by one degree. Water has a high specific heat, so it warms slowly.

Can I solve for the temperature change?

Yes. Enter the heat, mass, and specific heat, and the calculator returns the resulting change in temperature.