Heat Transfer Calculator

Fundamental Calculations for Thermal Systems

General Heat Transfer ($Q = mc\Delta T$)

Calculate the total heat energy ($Q$) transferred to or from a mass.

Mass ($m$) [kg] Specific Heat Capacity ($c$) [J/kg·K]

Initial Temp ($T_{initial}$) [K or °C] Final Temp ($T_{final}$) [K or °C]

Heat Conduction Rate ($Q$)

Calculate the rate of heat flow ($Q$) through a material (Fourier’s Law).

Thermal Conductivity ($k$) [W/m·K] Surface Area ($A$) [m²] Thickness ($d$) [m]

Hot Temp ($T_{hot}$) [K or °C] Cold Temp ($T_{cold}$) [K or °C]

Understanding Heat Transfer

Usefulness in Physics and Engineering

This calculator is an essential tool in fields like physics, mechanical engineering, and chemical engineering for analyzing heat conduction, convection, and radiation (though the formulas here focus on conduction and specific heat). Engineers use these principles to design efficient thermal systems, such as HVAC units, heat exchangers, cooling systems for electronics, and building insulation. Accurately determining heat flow ($Q$) is critical for energy efficiency, component lifespan, and system safety.

Main Formulas Used

1. Heat Transferred (General Form)

$$Q = m c \Delta T$$

$Q$ = heat transferred (Joules, J)
$m$ = mass (kilograms, kg)
$c$ = specific heat capacity (Joules per kilogram-Kelvin, J/kg·K)
$\Delta T = T_{final} – T_{initial}$ = temperature change (Kelvin or degrees Celsius)

2. Heat Conduction Rate (Fourier’s Law)

$$Q = \frac{k A (T_{hot} – T_{cold})}{d}$$

$Q$ = heat transfer rate (Watts, W)
$k$ = thermal conductivity (Watts per meter-Kelvin, W/m·K)
$A$ = surface area (square meters, m²)
$d$ = thickness of material (meters, m)
$T_{hot}, T_{cold}$ = temperatures (Kelvin or degrees Celsius)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Select Calculator: Determine whether you need to calculate the total energy transferred ($Q = mc\Delta T$) or the rate of heat flow ($Q$ based on Conduction).
Enter Values: Input the required numerical values into the corresponding fields. Ensure all units match the required SI units (kg, J/kg·K, m, m², W/m·K).
Click Calculate: Press the “Calculate Heat Transferred” or “Calculate Heat Transfer Rate” button below the inputs.
View Results: The calculated result will appear in the colored box below the button, formatted and rounded to two decimal places (unless it is a perfect integer).