Specific Heat of Water
Reference table, calculator, and chart for the specific heat capacity of water at standard atmospheric pressure
Specific Heat of Water Calculator
Enter a temperature in Celsius or Kelvin to calculate the specific heat of water:
Specific Heat of Water Table
| Temperature (°C) | Specific Heat (J/kg·K) |
|---|---|
| 0 | 4210 |
| 5 | 4205 |
| 10 | 4199 |
| 15 | 4193 |
| 20 | 4187 |
| 25 | 4182 |
| 30 | 4178 |
| 35 | 4175 |
| 40 | 4174 |
| 50 | 4181 |
| 60 | 4193 |
| 70 | 4207 |
| 80 | 4219 |
| 90 | 4228 |
| 100 | 4217 |
Specific Heat of Water Chart
About Specific Heat of Water
Specific heat capacity (cp) of water is the amount of heat required to raise 1 kilogram of water by 1 kelvin (1°C). It is a fundamental property in thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and engineering calculations, as it determines how water stores and transfers thermal energy.
Standard Reference Value
At 25°C (298.15 K) and 1 atm pressure, the specific heat capacity of water is approximately 4182 J/kg·K (1 cal/g·°C). This value is widely used as a standard reference in engineering calculations, laboratory experiments, and thermal system design.
Factors Affecting Specific Heat of Water
The specific heat of water varies slightly with temperature. It is slightly lower at higher temperatures and slightly higher at lower temperatures. Accurate values are important for:
- Thermodynamics: Calculating energy required for heating or cooling processes.
- Heat Transfer: Designing heat exchangers, boilers, and cooling systems.
- Fluid Mechanics: Simulating water behavior in flow systems and temperature-dependent processes.
- Laboratory & Experimental Work: Ensuring precise measurements in calorimetry and thermal experiments.
- Energy Analysis: Estimating energy storage and consumption in industrial and HVAC applications.
How Engineers Use Specific Heat
Engineers and scientists combine specific heat data with other properties—such as density, thermal conductivity, viscosity, and temperature—to accurately model water behavior in heat exchangers, cooling/heating systems, energy storage, and laboratory experiments.
Using reliable specific heat values ensures accuracy in thermodynamic calculations, thermal system design, fluid simulations, and energy efficiency analyses, making it an indispensable reference for engineers, researchers, and students.