AMESWEB

Specific Heat of Steel

Typical range at room temperature: 420–500 J/kg·K (0.10–0.12 Btu/lbm·°F).

Tables below list specific heat values for plain carbon, low-alloy, and stainless steels in J/kg·K and Btu/lbm·°F, with the temperature range of measurement.

Units & conversions

  • SI: J/kg·K   |   Imperial: Btu/lbm·°F
  • Conversions: 1 J/kg·K ≈ 0.000238846 Btu/lbm·°F  |  1 Btu/lbm·°F ≈ 4186.8 J/kg·K

Note: Specific heat (c) generally increases with temperature; always verify the applicable temperature interval.

Plain Carbon and Low-Alloy Steels

Specific heat capacity of selected carbon and low-alloy steels
Grade / Type Temperature, °C (°F) J/kg·K Btu/lbm·°F
AISI 101050–100 (122–212)4500.108
AISI 1018 (annealed)50–100 (122–212)4860.116
AISI 102050–100 (122–212)4860.116
AISI 1025 (annealed)50–100 (122–212)4860.116
AISI 1040 (annealed)50–100 (122–212)4860.116
AISI 1045 (annealed)50–100 (122–212)4860.116
AISI 4130 (H&T)50–100 (122–212)4770.114
150–200 (302–392)5150.123

Stainless Steels

Specific heat capacity of selected stainless steels
Grade / Type Temperature, °C (°F) J/kg·K Btu/lbm·°F
304 (annealed)0–100 (32–212)5000.119
316 (annealed)0–100 (32–212)5000.119
405 (annealed)0–100 (32–212)4600.110
440A (annealed)0–100 (32–212)4600.110
15-5 PH (annealed)0–100 (32–212)4200.100
17-4 PH (annealed)0–100 (32–212)4600.110
17-7 PH (annealed)0–100 (32–212)4600.110

Reference

  • Callister, W. D. (2007). Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction, 7th ed., John Wiley & Sons.
  • Davis, J. R. (1993). ASM Handbook, Vol. 1: Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys. ASM International.