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
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Mass m | Units: kg, g, mg, t, lb, oz |
| Material | Choose one: Water, Ice, Steam, Air … |
| Specific heat c | Units: J/(kg·K), kJ/(kg·K), J/(g·K), BTU/(lb·°F), cal/(g·°C) |
| Temperature change ΔT | Units: 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) |
|---|---|
| 0.5 | 2,091 |
| 0.75 | 3,136.5 |
| 1 | 4,182 |
| 1.25 | 5,227.5 |
| 1.5 | 6,273 |
| 2 | 8,364 |
Formula
C = m·c, Q = C·ΔTWorked 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.
Frequently asked questions
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.