How it works
Use a nonnegative k in inverse seconds and time in seconds. For initial temperature 80°C, ambient 20°C and k = 0.01 s⁻¹, after 60 s the model gives about 52.92869817°C. It assumes a uniform object temperature, unchanged surroundings and a constant coefficient; it also describes warming from below ambient.
Inputs and units
| Input | Example value | What to enter |
|---|---|---|
| Initial temperature | 80 °C | Required unit: °C. |
| Constant ambient temperature | 20 °C | Required unit: °C. |
| Nonnegative decay coefficient k | 0.01 s⁻¹ | Required unit: s⁻¹. Use a non-negative value. Allowed range: 0–1,000. |
| Elapsed time | 60 s | Required unit: s. Use a non-negative value. |
Worked example
Show example inputs and results
This example is generated by the same calculation engine using the starting values in the form. Your own inputs produce your own result.
- Initial temperature
- 80 °C
- Constant ambient temperature
- 20 °C
- Nonnegative decay coefficient k
- 0.01 s⁻¹
- Elapsed time
- 60 s
Complete example results
- Estimated temperature
- 52.92869817 °C
Reading the result
Check the units used in the formula together. The result follows the stated ideal model and supplied constants; material, environment and losses are included only where the inputs or method explicitly define them.
Questions and answers
Can I use the example values for my own calculation?
The example values illustrate the calculation. Replace every input with your own information, especially dates, rates and the selected operation.
Does this determine when food or equipment is safe?
No. It evaluates a supplied idealized thermal model and does not establish internal temperatures, safety thresholds or a measured cooling coefficient.
Why are some results rounded?
Results display up to 8 decimal places. Calculations use the unrounded values; very small values use scientific notation. JavaScript floating-point arithmetic can introduce tiny rounding differences.
Are my inputs sent to a server?
The calculator processes inputs in your browser. Its code does not send your values to a server.
Method sources: openstax.org