Specific Heat Capacity Converter
Convert specific heat capacity between J/(kg·K), kJ/(kg·K), BTU/(lb·°F) and cal/(g·°C).
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Result
Specific Heat Capacity units
Every unit below converts to every other one in the calculator. Values are relative to the base unit, the joule per kilogram kelvin (J/(kg·K)).
| Unit | Symbol | System | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joule per kilogram kelvin | J/(kg·K) | SI | Base unit |
| Kilojoule per kilogram kelvin | kJ/(kg·K) | SI | = 1000 J/(kg·K) |
| BTU per pound degree Fahrenheit | BTU/(lb·°F) | US customary | = 4186.8 J/(kg·K) |
| Calorie (IT) per gram degree Celsius | cal/(g·°C) | metric | = 4186.8 J/(kg·K) |
Joule per kilogram kelvin quick reference
| Joule per kilogram kelvin | Kilojoule per kilogram kelvin | BTU per pound degree Fahrenheit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 J/(kg·K) | = 0.001 kJ/(kg·K) | ≈ 0.0002388458966 BTU/(lb·°F) |
| 10 J/(kg·K) | = 0.01 kJ/(kg·K) | ≈ 0.002388458966 BTU/(lb·°F) |
| 100 J/(kg·K) | = 0.1 kJ/(kg·K) | ≈ 0.02388458966 BTU/(lb·°F) |
| 1000 J/(kg·K) | = 1 kJ/(kg·K) | ≈ 0.2388458966 BTU/(lb·°F) |
Among the 4 specific heat capacity units on this page, the smallest is the joule per kilogram kelvin (J/(kg·K)) and the largest is the calorie (it) per gram degree celsius (cal/(g·°C)).
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About specific heat capacity units
Specific heat capacity is the energy needed to raise the temperature of one unit of mass by one degree. Its SI unit is the joule per kilogram kelvin, J/(kg·K). Liquid water is about 4.18 kJ/(kg·K), which is why it stores heat so well.
With International Table units, 1 BTU/(lb·°F) and 1 cal/(g·°C) are both exactly 4186.8 J/(kg·K), so they give the same number. This page uses the IT calorie (4.1868 J); with the thermochemical calorie (4.184 J), 1 cal/(g·°C) would be 4184 J/(kg·K).
Frequently asked questions
- Why does BTU/(lb·°F) give the same number as cal/(g·°C)?
- Both units were originally based on heating water, and with the International Table definitions both are exactly 4186.8 J/(kg·K). Water is close to 1 in either unit.
- How much energy does it take to heat 1 kg of water by 1 °C?
- About 4.18 kJ. In general, energy = mass × specific heat × temperature change (Q = m·c·ΔT).
- Is J/(kg·K) the same as J/(kg·°C)?
- Yes. A temperature change of 1 K equals a change of 1 °C, so the units are equal.
- How many kilojoules per kilogram kelvin are in one joule per kilogram kelvin?
- One joule per kilogram kelvin = 0.001 kJ/(kg·K) (kilojoules per kilogram kelvin).
- How many BTUs per pound degree Fahrenheit are in one joule per kilogram kelvin?
- One joule per kilogram kelvin ≈ 0.0002388458966 BTU/(lb·°F) (BTUs per pound degree Fahrenheit).