Specific Heat Calculator
Calculate the heat energy needed to change a substance's temperature, or solve for mass, specific heat, or temperature change.
Result
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In kilojoules / kcal —
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How it works
Q = m × c × ΔTFrequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate heat energy needed?
Multiply mass by specific heat capacity by temperature change: heating 2 kg of water (c = 4,186 J/kg·°C) by 20°C needs Q = 2 × 4,186 × 20 = 167,440 J (about 167 kJ).
What is specific heat capacity?
The energy needed to raise 1 kg of a substance by 1°C. Water's is unusually high (4,186 J/kg·°C) — why water heats and cools slowly compared to metals like aluminum (about 900 J/kg·°C) or iron (about 450).
Why does water have such a high specific heat?
Hydrogen bonding between water molecules absorbs extra energy before temperature rises, which is why oceans and lakes moderate nearby climate and why water is such an effective coolant.