Specific Heat Calculator
Enter any three values and leave exactly one blank to solve Q = m × c × ΔT.
A QUICK WALKTHROUGH
How to use this tool
- Enter any three of Q, m, c, and ΔT; leave the unknown blank.
- Use mass in g, specific heat in J/g·°C, temperature difference in °C, and heat in J.
- Choose a display unit for heat and review the assumptions.
Equation and source
Q = m × c × ΔT. Formula source: OpenStax, University Physics Volume 2, “Heat Transfer, Specific Heat, and Calorimetry”: https://openstax.org/books/university-physics-volume-2/pages/1-4-heat-transfer-specific-heat-and-calorimetry
Scope and assumptions
This equation models sensible heat for a single-phase temperature change with constant specific heat. ΔT is a temperature difference: use the same numeric difference in °C or K; no absolute-temperature conversion is needed. It does not include latent heat during a phase change or heat loss to the surroundings.
User-supplied values
No material presets or default properties are provided. Enter values with the stated units; the calculator does not identify materials or look up reference properties.
GOOD TO KNOW
Common questions
Which quantity can I solve for?
Leave exactly one of Q, m, c, or ΔT blank and enter the other three.
Does ΔT need an absolute-temperature conversion?
No. ΔT is a temperature difference; the numeric difference in °C equals the difference in K.
Does it include phase changes or heat loss?
No. It covers single-phase sensible heat with constant specific heat and excludes latent heat and environmental heat loss.