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
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Mass | Units: kg, lb, g, oz, st |
| Material | Choose one: Water (4,186 J/kg·K), Ice (2,108), Aluminium (897), Copper (385) … |
| Start temperature | Units: °C, °F, K |
| End temperature | Units: °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) |
|---|---|
| 50 | 251,160 |
| 75 | 460,460 |
| 100 | 669,760 |
| 125 | 879,060 |
| 150 | 1,088,360 |
| 200 | 1,506,960 |
Formula
Q = m × c × ΔTWorked 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.
Frequently asked questions
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.