# Calorimetry Calculator

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/physics/calorimetry/
Last updated: 2026-10-30

> The calorimetry calculator finds the heat absorbed or released in a coffee-cup calorimeter from the mass, specific heat and temperature change, or the heat from a molar enthalpy change.

## Inputs

- Method
- Mass m (g, kg, mg, lb, oz, gr)
- Substance
- Specific heat c (J/(kg·K), kJ/(kg·K), J/(g·K), BTU/(lb·°F), cal/(g·°C))
- Initial temperature (°C, °F, K)
- Final temperature (°C, °F, K)
- Molar mass M (g/mol)
- Molar enthalpy ΔH (kJ/mol)

## Results

- Heat q
- Process

## Formula

```
q = m·c·ΔT · q = (m/M)·ΔH
```

## Explanation

Calorimetry measures heat flow. In a simple coffee-cup calorimeter, a reaction warms or cools water, and the temperature change tells you the heat. Food Calories were first measured this way.

### How to use the Calorimetry Calculator

- **Method**
- **Mass m**
- **Substance**
- **Specific heat c**
- **Initial temperature**
- **Final temperature**
- **Molar mass M (g/mol)**
- **Molar enthalpy ΔH (kJ/mol)**

Results update as you type, every field has its own unit menu, and everything is calculated in your browser.

### How it works

Choose the method. For the calorimeter, choose the substance (water by default) and enter the mass and initial and final temperatures.

### Tips

- Use absolute temperature (K) in gas laws and efficiency formulas.
- Temperature differences are the same in K and °C.
- Heat = mass × specific heat × temperature change when no phase change occurs.
- Phase changes need latent heat at a constant temperature.

### Common mistakes to avoid

- Using °C in pV = nRT.
- Forgetting latent heat during melting or boiling.
- Confusing heat capacity (J/K) with specific heat (J/(kg·K)).

### Inputs explained

FieldWhat to enterMethodChoose one: Temperature change (q = mcΔT), Molar enthalpy (q = nΔH)Mass mUnits: g, kg, mg, lb, oz, grSubstanceChoose one: Water, Ice, Steam, Air …Specific heat cUnits: J/(kg·K), kJ/(kg·K), J/(g·K), BTU/(lb·°F), cal/(g·°C)Initial temperatureUnits: °C, °F, KFinal temperatureUnits: °C, °F, KMolar mass M (g/mol)A numberMolar enthalpy ΔH (kJ/mol)A number

### Example values

How the main result changes when **Mass m** changes and everything else stays at the example values above:

Mass m (g)Heat q (J)501,359.15752,038.7251002,718.31253,397.8751504,077.452005,436.6

## Worked example

Inputs — Method: Temperature change (q = mcΔT); Mass m: 100 g; Substance: Water; Initial temperature: 20 °C; Final temperature: 26.5 °C.

Results — **Heat q = 2,718.3 J**; Process = Heat absorbed by the substance.

## Key terms

- **Specific heat**: Heat needed to warm 1 kg by 1 K.

## FAQ

**What is a coffee-cup calorimeter?**
An insulated cup at constant pressure, measuring enthalpy changes.

**Why use water?**
It has a high, well-known specific heat.

**What sign does an exothermic reaction have?**
The reaction's q is negative; the water's is positive.

**What about the calorimeter itself?**
Precise work adds its heat capacity.

**What formula does the Calorimetry Calculator use?**
q = m·c·ΔT · q = (m/M)·ΔH.


## Sources

- [OpenStax – Chemistry 2e](https://openstax.org/details/books/chemistry-2e)
- [The Engineering ToolBox](https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/)