Calorimetry Calculator
Calculate heat transferred from mass, specific heat capacity, and temperature change.
Heat transferred
25.10 kJ
25,104 J
Heat absorbed
q = +25.10 kJ
ΔT: 60 °C
Try an example:
How it was calculated
Find the temperature change
ΔT = T_final − T_initial
ΔT = 80 − 20 = 60 °C
Use the calorimetry equation
q = m × c × ΔT
Substitute the values
q = 100 g × 4.184 J/(g·°C) × 60 °C
q = 25,104 J
q = 25.10 kJ
What is calorimetry?
Calorimetry uses temperature change to calculate how much heat a substance absorbs or releases.
q = m × c × ΔT
What the formula means
- q —
- Heat transferred
- m —
- Mass
- c —
- Specific heat capacity
- ΔT —
- Change in temperature
ΔT = T_final − T_initial
What does the sign of q mean?
Positive q
The substance gained heat.
Negative q
The substance lost heat.
Important note
This calculator assumes the substance stays in the same phase and its specific heat remains constant over the temperature range.
If the substance melts, freezes, boils, or condenses, latent heat must also be considered.
Watch out
Common mistakes
Using the wrong mass unit
Make sure the mass unit matches the specific heat unit.
Reversing the temperatures
Use ΔT = final temperature − initial temperature.
Changing °C to K unnecessarily
You don't need to convert °C to K for ΔT. A temperature change of 1 °C is the same size as a temperature change of 1 K.
Using the wrong specific heat
Use the specific heat for the substance and phase being measured.
Keep going
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the calorimetry formula?
The basic calorimetry equation is q = mcΔT, where q is heat transferred, m is mass, c is specific heat capacity, and ΔT is the temperature change.
What does a positive q mean?
A positive q means the substance absorbed heat.
What does a negative q mean?
A negative q means the substance released heat.
How do I calculate ΔT?
Use ΔT = final temperature − initial temperature.
Can I use Celsius for ΔT?
Yes. A temperature change of 1 °C is the same size as a temperature change of 1 K.
What if the substance changes phase?
This calculator does not include latent heat. A phase-change calculation needs additional information such as the latent heat of fusion or vaporization.