Specific Heat Calculator

Calculate heat energy (Q), mass (m), specific heat capacity (c), or temperature change (ΔT) using the formula Q = mcΔT. Choose what you want to solve for, enter the three known values, and get your result instantly. Works with common units including joules, kilojoules, calories, grams, and kilograms. Also try the find Van der Waals Pressure (P) with Van der Waals Equation Calculator.

Select the variable you want to calculate.

Water = 4.184 J/g·K, Aluminum = 0.897 J/g·K, Copper = 0.385 J/g·K

ΔT = Final Temperature − Initial Temperature. Negative means cooling.

Positive = heat absorbed (warming); Negative = heat released (cooling).

Results

Result

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Unit

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Formula Used

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Heat Energy (J)

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Mass (kg)

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Temperature Change (K)

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Specific Heat (J/kg·K)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is specific heat capacity?

Specific heat capacity is the amount of thermal energy required to raise the temperature of 1 kg (or 1 g, depending on units) of a substance by 1 K (or 1°C). It is a physical property unique to each material — for example, water has a specific heat of 4,184 J/kg·K, meaning it takes a lot of energy to heat compared to metals. See also our calculate Specific Heat (Chemistry) Specific Heat Capacity.

What is the formula for specific heat?

The formula is Q = m × c × ΔT, where Q is the heat energy transferred (in joules), m is the mass of the substance, c is the specific heat capacity, and ΔT is the change in temperature. You can rearrange this to solve for any one variable if the other three are known.

What are the units for specific heat capacity?

The SI unit is J/kg·K (joules per kilogram per kelvin). Other common units include J/g·K, cal/g·°C, kJ/kg·K, and BTU/lb·°F. Since a change of 1°C equals a change of 1 K, J/g·K and J/g·°C are numerically equivalent.

What is the specific heat capacity of water?

Water has one of the highest specific heat capacities of any common substance: approximately 4,184 J/kg·K (or 4.184 J/g·K). This means water can absorb a large amount of heat before its temperature rises significantly, making it excellent for cooling systems and climate regulation. You might also find our Combined Gas Law Calculator useful.

What is the specific heat capacity of aluminum and copper?

Aluminum has a specific heat capacity of approximately 897 J/kg·K (0.897 J/g·K), while copper has approximately 385 J/kg·K (0.385 J/g·K). Both are much lower than water, which is why metals heat up and cool down much faster.

What does a negative heat energy value (Q) mean?

A negative Q value means that the substance is releasing heat — it is cooling down. A positive Q value means the substance is absorbing heat and warming up. The sign of ΔT (final temperature minus initial temperature) determines the sign of Q.

What is specific heat capacity at constant volume?

Specific heat at constant volume (Cv) is measured when the volume of the substance is held fixed during heating, so no work is done by expansion. This differs from specific heat at constant pressure (Cp), which allows volume to change. For solids and liquids the difference is negligible, but for gases it is significant.

Is a temperature change in °C the same as in K for this formula?

Yes — a temperature change of 1°C is numerically identical to a change of 1 K, because the two scales have the same interval size. So ΔT in °C = ΔT in K. However, a change in °F is different: ΔT(K) = ΔT(°F) × 5/9. Check out our Ideal Gas Law Calculator as well.