# Heat Capacity Calculator

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

> The heat capacity calculator finds the heat capacity of an object from its mass and the specific heat of its material, and the energy needed for a temperature change.

## Inputs

- Mass m (kg, g, mg, t, lb, oz)
- Material
- Specific heat c (J/(kg·K), kJ/(kg·K), J/(g·K), BTU/(lb·°F), cal/(g·°C))
- Temperature change ΔT (K, °C, °F)

## Results

- Heat capacity C
- Energy for ΔT

## Formula

```
C = m·c,  Q = C·ΔT
```

## Explanation

Heat capacity tells how much energy an object needs per degree. A full bathtub has a huge heat capacity – it stays warm for a long time – while a thin metal spoon heats almost instantly.

### How to use the Heat Capacity Calculator

- **Mass m**
- **Material**
- **Specific heat c**
- **Temperature change ΔT**

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

### How it works

Choose the material, enter the mass and optionally the temperature change.

### 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 enterMass mUnits: kg, g, mg, t, lb, ozMaterialChoose one: Water, Ice, Steam, Air …Specific heat cUnits: J/(kg·K), kJ/(kg·K), J/(g·K), BTU/(lb·°F), cal/(g·°C)Temperature change ΔTUnits: K, °C, °F

### Example values

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

Mass m (kg)Heat capacity C (J/K)0.52,0910.753,136.514,1821.255,227.51.56,27328,364

## Worked example

Inputs — Mass m: 1 kg; Material: Water; Temperature change ΔT: 10 K.

Results — **Heat capacity C = 4,182 J/K**; Energy for ΔT = 41,820 J.

## Key terms

- **Heat capacity**: Energy per degree of temperature change.

## FAQ

**What is the difference between heat capacity and specific heat?**
Heat capacity is for a whole object; specific heat is per kilogram.

**Why does water have a high specific heat?**
Hydrogen bonds absorb a lot of energy.

**How much energy heats 1 L of water by 1 °C?**
About 4.18 kJ.

**What is molar heat capacity?**
Heat capacity per mole.

**What formula does the Heat Capacity Calculator use?**
C = m·c,  Q = C·ΔT.


## Sources

- [OpenStax – University Physics Volume 2](https://openstax.org/details/books/university-physics-volume-2)
- [The Engineering ToolBox](https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/)