Specific Heat Calculator
Calculate heat energy, mass, specific heat capacity or temperature change using the q=mcΔT formula, free right in your browser.
Enter Values
Minimum 0
How to use this calculator
- Enter the mass, the material's specific heat and the temperature change.
- Read the heat energy.
How it works
Heat energy Q = mass × specific heat × temperature change (Q = mcΔT).
Worked example
2 kg water, +30 °C. Q = 2 × 4186 × 30 = 251,160 J.
Common mistakes
- Using the wrong specific heat — water is ~4186 J/kg·°C, but metals are far lower.
- Mixing units — keep mass in kg and specific heat in J/kg·°C.
Frequently asked questions
How is heat energy calculated?
Q = mass × specific heat × temperature change (Q = mcΔT). Heating 1 kg of water by 10 °C takes 1 × 4186 × 10 ≈ 41,860 J.
What is specific heat capacity?
The energy needed to raise 1 kg of a substance by 1 °C; water's is high (4186 J/kg·°C), which is why it heats and cools slowly.
What's the specific heat of water?
About 4186 J/kg·°C (or 4.186 kJ/kg·°C) — high, which is why water heats and cools slowly.
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Cite this tool
Zerdly. (2026). Specific Heat Calculator. Retrieved from https://www.zerdly.com/tools/specific-heat-calculator/
Tip: Enter any known values to calculate the remaining results.
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