Specific Heat Capacity Converter
Convert between 5 units of specific heat capacity — J/(kg·K), kJ/(kg·K), cal/(g·°C), kcal/(kg·°C), and BTU/(lb·°F). Water has the highest specific heat of any common substance at 4,186 J/(kg·K) — which is why it is used in central heating systems and why coastal climates are milder than inland areas. Hydrogen gas has the highest specific heat of any gas (14,300 J/kg·K). Aluminum (900 J/kg·K) heats twice as fast as iron (450 J/kg·K) for the same heat input. Used in calorimetry, HVAC, engine cooling and food processing.
About the Specific Heat Capacity Converter
Specific heat capacity is the amount of energy needed to raise 1 kg of a substance by 1 Kelvin (or 1 °C). Water's exceptionally high specific heat (4,186 J/kg·K) makes it ideal for heating systems, climate regulation, and cooling in engines. Metals have much lower specific heats, which is why they heat and cool rapidly. The SI unit is J/(kg·K); the calorie-based unit cal/(g·°C) is still used in food science and chemistry.
- ›Water has one of the highest specific heat capacities of any common substance at 4,186 J/(kg·K)
- ›Hydrogen gas has the highest specific heat of any gas: about 14,300 J/(kg·K)
- ›Aluminum (900 J/kg·K) heats faster than iron (450 J/kg·K) for the same mass and heat input
- ›The specific heat of the human body averages about 3,470 J/(kg·K)
J/(kg·K) to BTU/(lb·°F) — Conversion Table
| J/(kg·K) (J/kg·K) | BTU/(lb·°F) (BTU/lb·°F) |
|---|---|
| 1 J/kg·K | 0.00023885 BTU/lb·°F |
| 2 J/kg·K | 0.00047769 BTU/lb·°F |
| 5 J/kg·K | 0.0011942 BTU/lb·°F |
| 10 J/kg·K | 0.0023885 BTU/lb·°F |
| 20 J/kg·K | 0.0047769 BTU/lb·°F |
| 50 J/kg·K | 0.011942 BTU/lb·°F |
| 100 J/kg·K | 0.023885 BTU/lb·°F |
| 1,000 J/kg·K | 0.23885 BTU/lb·°F |
Last updated: July 27, 2026 · Calculated using SI-validated constants (NIST)
Frequently Asked Questions
What units does the Specific Heat Capacity Converter support?
The Specific Heat Capacity Converter supports multiple units with instant conversion. Convert between 5 units of specific heat capacity — J/(kg·K), kJ/(kg·K), cal/(g·°C), kcal/(kg·°C), and BTU/(lb·°F). Water has the highest specific heat of any common substance at 4,186 J/(kg·K) — which is why it is used in central heating systems and why coastal climates are milder than inland areas. Hydrogen gas has the highest specific heat of any gas (14,300 J/kg·K). Aluminum (900 J/kg·K) heats twice as fast as iron (450 J/kg·K) for the same heat input. Used in calorimetry, HVAC, engine cooling and food processing. All results use SI-validated constants accurate to 8 significant figures.
Is this Specific Heat Capacity Converter free?
Yes — completely free. No registration, no limits. Works on all devices including mobile.
How accurate is this converter?
Accurate to 8 significant figures using precise mathematical constants validated against international SI standards (NIST and ISO 80000).