Specific Heat Calculator - Q = mcΔT Solver

How to use this tool

1. Select which variable to solve for (Q, mass, c, or ΔT).
2. Enter the three known values.
3. View the computed result.

Specific Heat Formula

The relationship between heat energy, mass, specific heat capacity, and temperature change is: Q = m × c × ΔT. Rearrange for any unknown: m = Q/(c·ΔT), c = Q/(m·ΔT), ΔT = Q/(m·c).

What is specific heat capacity?

Specific heat capacity (symbol: c) is the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of a substance by 1 °C (or 1 K). Its SI unit is J/(g·°C) or equivalently J/(g·K). Water has an exceptionally high specific heat of 4.186 J/(g·°C), meaning it absorbs a large amount of heat with only a small temperature change - which is why the oceans moderate coastal climates and why water is an excellent coolant.

Specific heat reference table

Calorimetry worked example

How much energy (in joules) is required to heat 250 g of water from 20 °C to 100 °C?

Q = m × c × ΔT = 250 g × 4.186 J/(g·°C) × (100 − 20)°C = 250 × 4.186 × 80 = 83,720 J ≈ 83.7 kJ

This is roughly the energy in one food calorie (kcal), which is defined as the energy to heat 1 kg of water by 1 °C. Our 250 g example therefore requires approximately 20 food calories.