Heat Density Converter

Heat density measures thermal energy contained in a given volume. Used in fuel energy content and thermal storage materials.

Common Heat Density Conversions

FromTo
1 J/m³9.478×10⁻⁷ BTU/ft³
1 BTU/ft³1.05506×10⁷ J/m³
1 cal/cm³4.186×10⁷ J/m³

Heat Density Unit Definitions

Joule per cubic meter (J/m³)
SI unit of energy density.
BTU per cubic foot (BTU/ft³)
Imperial unit; used for natural gas heating values.
Calorie per cm³ (cal/cm³)
Used in food energy context: 1 cal/cm³ = 1 kcal/L ~ water energy content.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the energy density of natural gas?

About 35–40 MJ/m³ or ~1,000 BTU/ft³.

How is heat density different from specific heat?

Heat density is total energy stored per volume; specific heat is energy per mass per degree temperature change.

What is the heat density of common fuels?

Gasoline: ~34 MJ/L. Diesel: ~37 MJ/L. Lithium-ion battery: ~1–2 MJ/L. Hydrogen gas at STP: ~10 MJ/m³ (much lower than liquid fuels).