What calorimetry measures
Calorimetry calculates the heat energy gained or lost by a substance as its temperature changes, based on its mass and specific heat capacity (how much energy it takes to change the temperature of a unit mass by one degree).
The formula
The basic calorimetry equation is q = m × c × ΔT, where m is mass, c is specific heat capacity, and ΔT is the change in temperature (final minus initial). A positive result means heat was absorbed; a negative result means heat was released.
This calculator is for general chemistry and physics education. It assumes no phase change occurs and no heat is lost to the surroundings.
Last reviewed August 2026