# Specific Heat Calculator (Q = mcΔT)

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/physics/specific-heat/
Last updated: 2026-10-25

> The specific heat calculator finds the heat energy needed to change the temperature of a material, Q = m c ΔT. Choose water, aluminium, copper or other materials, or enter your own specific heat.

## Inputs

- Mass (kg, lb, g, oz, st)
- Material
- Start temperature (°C, °F, K)
- End temperature (°C, °F, K)

## Results

- Heat energy
- In kWh

## Formula

```
Q = m × c × ΔT
```

## Explanation

Water has a very high specific heat, which is why it is used in heating systems and why coastal climates are mild.

### How to use the Specific Heat Calculator

- **Mass**
- **Material**
- **Start temperature**
- **End temperature**
- Want to work backwards? Type a value into **Heat energy** and **End temperature** is calculated for you.

Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.

### How it works

Multiply mass, specific heat capacity and the temperature change.

### Inputs explained

FieldWhat to enterMassUnits: kg, lb, g, oz, stMaterialChoose one: Water (4,186 J/kg·K), Ice (2,108), Aluminium (897), Copper (385) …Start temperatureUnits: °C, °F, KEnd temperatureUnits: °C, °F, K

### What each result means

- **Heat energy** = [Mass] × [Material] × ([End temperature] - [Start temperature])
- **In kWh** = [Heat energy] ÷ 3.6e6

### Example values

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

End temperature (°C)Heat energy (J)50251,16075460,460100669,760125879,0601501,088,3602001,506,960

## Worked example

Inputs — Mass: 2 kg; Material: Water (4,186 J/kg·K); Start temperature: 20 °C; End temperature: 100 °C.

Results — **Heat energy = 669,760 J**; In kWh = 0.186 kWh.

## FAQ

**Does this include boiling?**
No, changing phase needs extra latent heat.

**Why does water heat slowly?**
Its specific heat is about ten times that of copper.

**What formula does the Specific Heat Calculator use?**
Q = m × c × ΔT.

**Can I work backwards from the result?**
Yes. Type the result you want into Heat energy and the calculator finds the matching end temperature.