🌡️ Specific Heat Calculator (Q=mcΔT)

Enter any 3 of Heat (Q), Mass (m), Specific Heat (c), and Temperature Change (ΔT), and this calculator instantly derives the missing 1 using Q=mcΔT. Pick a material preset to auto-fill the specific heat (c) value.

Fill in only 3 of the 4 fields. The other 1 will be calculated automatically.

Material preset (auto-fills specific heat)

Heat (Q) (J (joules))

Mass (m) (kg)

Specific Heat (c) (J/(kg·K))

Temperature Change (ΔT) (°C or K)

Results

Heat (Q)

—

Mass (m)

—

Specific Heat (c)

—

Temperature Change (ΔT)

—

Specific Heat (c) Reference Table by Material

Material	c (J/(kg·K))
Water (liquid)	4186
Ice	2100
Aluminum	900
Iron/Steel	450
Copper	385
Glass	840
Air	1005
Wood	1700
Concrete	880

※ Values below are typical figures commonly used in physics/engineering references (approximate, near room temperature) and may vary with material purity, temperature, and state.

GUIDE

Learn more

What is Specific Heat? The Q=mcΔT Formula

Specific heat capacity (c) is the heat required to raise the temperature of 1kg of a substance by 1°C (or 1K).

Q = m × c × ΔT

Q is the heat added or released (J), m is mass (kg), c is the material's specific heat (J/(kg·K)), and ΔT is the temperature change. This calculator derives any 1 of the 4 variables from the other 3.

Why Specific Heat Differs by Material

Specific heat depends heavily on a substance's molecular structure and state (solid/liquid/gas). Water has a very high specific heat (4186 J/(kg·K)), so its temperature changes slowly, while metals like copper (385) and aluminum (900) have low specific heat and heat up or cool down quickly. This is why water is used as coolant/thermal storage while metals are used in heat exchangers.

Worked Example

To raise 2kg of water from 20°C to 80°C (ΔT=60°C): Q = 2 × 4186 × 60 = 502,320J. Conversely, if Q, m, and ΔT are known, c = Q ÷ (m × ΔT) can help identify an unknown material.

Frequently asked questions

Why do I only enter 3 values?

Q, m, c, and ΔT are linked by the single equation Q=mcΔT, so knowing 3 mathematically determines the 4th uniquely. Entering all 4 could produce contradictory values, so exactly 3 are required.

What happens when I pick a material preset?

The standard specific heat (c) value for that material auto-fills the input. To enter your own value, choose "Custom" or simply clear the auto-filled field and type your number.

Can ΔT be negative?

Yes. When temperature decreases (cooling), ΔT can be negative, which makes Q negative (heat released). If you only need the magnitude, ignore the sign.