Specific heat tells how much energy one kilogram of a substance needs to warm by one degree. Water’s high value (4,182 J/(kg·K)) moderates coastal climates and makes it an excellent coolant.
How to use the Specific Heat Calculator
- Heat supplied Q
- Mass m
- Initial temperature
- Final temperature
Results update as you type, every field has its own unit menu, and everything is calculated in your browser.
How it works
Enter the heat supplied, the mass and the initial and final temperatures.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Heat supplied Q | Units: kJ, J, kcal, BTU |
| Mass m | Units: kg, g, mg, t, lb, oz |
| Initial temperature | Units: °C, °F, K |
| Final temperature | Units: °C, °F, K |
Example values
How the main result changes when Heat supplied Q changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| Heat supplied Q (kJ) | Specific heat c (J/(kg·K)) |
|---|---|
| 10 | 2,000 |
| 15 | 3,000 |
| 20 | 4,000 |
| 25 | 5,000 |
| 30 | 6,000 |
| 40 | 8,000 |
Formula
c = Q / (m·ΔT)
Worked example
Inputs: Heat supplied Q: 20 kJ; Mass m: 0.5 kg; Initial temperature: 20 °C; Final temperature: 30 °C.
Results: Specific heat c = 4,000 J/(kg·K); Closest to = Water.
Key terms
- Specific heat capacity
- Energy per kg per K.
Frequently asked questions
What is water's specific heat?
About 4,182 J/(kg·K).
Why do metals heat up quickly?
They have low specific heats.
What is the difference between c_p and c_v?
For gases, heating at constant pressure needs more energy than at constant volume.
How is specific heat measured?
With a calorimeter.