Specific Heat Capacity Converter

Joule/Kilogram/Kelvin (J/(kg·K))

The SI unit of specific heat capacity. It represents the amount of heat energy (in joules) required to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of material by 1 kelvin. c = Q / (m × ΔT).

Common uses: International standards, scientific research, engineering calculations, material datasheets.

Joule/Gram/°C (J/(g·°C))

Specific heat capacity using grams and Celsius units. 1 J/(g·°C) = 1000 J/(kg·K). Since Kelvin and Celsius have the same intervals, this is equivalent to J/(g·K).

Note: Commonly used in chemistry and laboratory calculations.

Calorie/Gram/°C (cal/(g·°C))

Specific heat capacity using calories. The calorie is defined such that water has a specific heat capacity of approximately 1 cal/(g·°C). 1 cal/(g·°C) ≈ 4186 J/(kg·K).

Note: Historically important unit, still used in some applications.

Kilojoule/Kilogram/Kelvin (kJ/(kg·K))

Specific heat capacity in kilojoules per kilogram per kelvin. 1 kJ/(kg·K) = 1000 J/(kg·K). Often used when values are in the range of 1-10 kJ/(kg·K).

Common uses: Thermodynamic tables, steam tables, gas properties.

Kilocalorie/Kilogram/°C (kcal/(kg·°C))

Specific heat capacity using kilocalories. 1 kcal/(kg·°C) ≈ 4186 J/(kg·K). Used in some regions and older engineering standards.

Conversion: Equivalent to cal/(g·°C)

BTU/Pound/°F (Btu/(lb·°F))

Specific heat capacity in British Thermal Units per pound per degree Fahrenheit. Widely used in US engineering. 1 Btu/(lb·°F) ≈ 4186 J/(kg·K).

Common uses: US engineering calculations, HVAC, mechanical engineering.

Typical Specific Heat Capacity Values (at ~20°C)

• Water: ~4186 J/(kg·K) - High capacity (reference standard)
• Aluminum: ~897 J/(kg·K)
• Copper: ~385 J/(kg·K)
• Iron/Steel: ~449 J/(kg·K)
• Glass: ~840 J/(kg·K)
• Wood (dry): ~1700 J/(kg·K)
• Air (constant pressure): ~1005 J/(kg·K)
• Concrete: ~840-1050 J/(kg·K)

Heat Energy Calculation

The amount of heat energy required to change temperature is: Q = m × c × ΔT

• Q: Heat energy (Joules)
• m: Mass (kilograms)
• c: Specific heat capacity (J/(kg·K))
• ΔT: Temperature change (K or °C)

Temperature and Pressure Dependence

Specific heat capacity varies with temperature and pressure. For gases, the specific heat capacity depends on whether the process is at constant pressure (cp) or constant volume (cv). Always use values appropriate for your operating conditions from material datasheets.

Important: Never use room-temperature values for high-temperature calculations without verification.