Specific Heat Calculator
Calculate heat energy using Q = mcΔT. Enter mass, specific heat capacity, and temperature change. Includes a table of common materials.
HEAT ENERGY
104,650 J
IN kJ
104.65 kJ
IN BTU
99.1887 BTU
FORMULA
Q = mcΔT
Specific Heat Capacities of Common Materials
| Material | c (J/kg⋅°C) |
|---|---|
| Water | 4,186 |
| Ice | 2,090 |
| Steam | 2,010 |
| Aluminum | 897 |
| Copper | 385 |
| Iron/Steel | 449 |
| Glass | 840 |
| Air | 1,005 |
💡 How to Calculate Heat Energy (Specific Heat)
What Is Specific Heat?
Specific heat capacity is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of a substance by one degree Celsius (or one kelvin). Different materials absorb and release heat at different rates — this property is what specific heat measures.
Water has one of the highest specific heat capacities of any common substance at 4,186 J/kg⋅°C. This is why water is used in cooling systems, why coastal climates are more moderate, and why it takes a long time to boil a pot of water.
How to Calculate Heat Energy
Specific Heat Formula
Where:
- Q = heat energy (J)
- m = mass (kg)
- c = specific heat capacity (J/kg⋅°C)
- ΔT = temperature change (°C)
Worked Example: Heating Water
How much energy does it take to heat 1 liter (1 kg) of water from 20°C to 100°C?
Q = 1 × 4,186 × (100 − 20)
Q = 1 × 4,186 × 80
Q = 334,880 J = 335 kJ
That is about 80 food Calories (kcal). A typical electric kettle (2,000 W) takes about 167 seconds (just under 3 minutes) to deliver this energy.
Why Water Has High Specific Heat
Water molecules form extensive hydrogen bonds with neighboring molecules. Breaking these bonds requires significant energy, so water absorbs a lot of heat before its temperature rises. This property makes water an excellent coolant and thermal buffer in biological systems and engineering.