Specific Heat Capacity Converter

Convert specific heat capacity values among common SI, metric and customary units. Specific heat capacity is the energy needed to raise unit mass by one degree. Temperature intervals in kelvins and degrees Celsius have the same size.

ValueEnter zero or a positive value; scientific notation is accepted.Convert fromJoule per kilogram kelvin (J/(kg·K))Kilojoule per kilogram kelvin (kJ/(kg·K))Joule per gram kelvin (J/(g·K))Calorie per gram degree Celsius (cal/(g·°C))Btu per pound degree Fahrenheit (Btu/(lb·°F))Convert toJoule per kilogram kelvin (J/(kg·K))Kilojoule per kilogram kelvin (kJ/(kg·K))Joule per gram kelvin (J/(g·K))Calorie per gram degree Celsius (cal/(g·°C))Btu per pound degree Fahrenheit (Btu/(lb·°F))

Convert

Converted value4184 J/(kg·K)

SI-base value4184 J/(kg·K)

Multiply by1000

The displayed results apply to the default example. Enable JavaScript to convert other values.

How to use this converter

1. Enter the specific heat capacity value.
2. Select its current unit and the unit you want.
3. Select Convert. The page shows the converted value, the SI-base value and the direct multiplication factor.

Conversion formula

Converted value = entered value × source-to-SI factor ÷ target-to-SI factor.

Every option is represented by its factor to joule per kilogram kelvin (J/(kg·K)). This one-base method keeps reciprocal conversions consistent. Calculations run in your browser, and old results are hidden when an input changes or validation fails.

Worked example

Convert 4.184 J/(g·K) to J/(kg·K). Multiply by 1000; the result is 4184 J/(kg·K). The same input equals 4184 J/(kg·K) in the SI-base unit.

Accuracy and limitations

Specific heat varies with temperature, phase and composition. Use property data valid for the material and conditions.

The calculator retains more digits internally than it displays. Round the final value to the precision supported by your measurement. Very large and very small answers may use scientific notation.

Frequently asked questions

Why do J/(g·K) and kJ/(kg·K) match numerically?

The factor of 1,000 in joules cancels the factor of 1,000 in grams per kilogram.

Can I reverse the conversion?

Yes. Swap the From and To selections. Because both units use the same SI base, the reverse factor is the reciprocal of the forward factor.

Why was my entry rejected?

Use digits with an optional decimal point or scientific notation. Blank values, commas, fractions, words and non-finite entries are rejected. Negative values are rejected because this converter treats the quantity as a magnitude.

Review notes and sources

Reviewed October 4, 2026. The conversion factors, default example, zero or signed boundary behavior, invalid-input handling and recovery after an error were checked. Factors follow SI definitions and published conversion guidance from the NIST Guide to the SI and the BIPM SI Brochure. Explanations and examples are original.

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