Calculate cost per degree of heating, total heating cost, or temperature change from any two values, with Celsius and Fahrenheit options.
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Cost Per Degree of Heating Formula
The basic cost per degree of heating formula divides the total heating cost by the temperature increase.
- CPD = cost per degree of heating
- C = total cost spent on heating
- ΔT = change in temperature
- ΔTC = temperature change in degrees Celsius
- ΔTF = temperature change in degrees Fahrenheit
The calculator can solve for any one missing value when you enter the other two values. If you enter total heating cost and temperature change, it calculates the cost per degree. If you enter cost per degree and temperature change, it calculates the total heating cost. If you enter total cost and cost per degree, it calculates the temperature change.
Temperature change is a difference, not an outdoor or indoor temperature reading by itself. For example, raising a space from 60°F to 68°F is a change of 8°F.
Cost Per Degree Heating Reference Values
Use these tables as rough checks when reviewing your result. Actual heating cost depends on energy prices, insulation, heating equipment, building size, and weather conditions.
| Cost per degree result | General interpretation | Possible meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Low | Lower cost to raise the temperature | Efficient system, small space, good insulation, or low energy price |
| Moderate | Expected heating cost for many normal situations | Average heat loss, typical thermostat changes, or normal fuel pricing |
| High | Higher cost to raise the temperature | Poor insulation, large space, inefficient equipment, high energy price, or cold conditions |
| Temperature change | Equivalent change | Use case |
|---|---|---|
| 1°C | 1.8°F | Small thermostat adjustment |
| 5°C | 9°F | Noticeable room temperature increase |
| 10°C | 18°F | Large heating change, often over a longer heating period |
Example Cost Per Degree of Heating Calculations
Example 1: Find cost per degree
You spent $48 on heating and the temperature increased by 6°C.
The cost per degree of heating is $8 per °C.
Example 2: Find total heating cost
Your cost per degree is $7.50 per °C and the temperature change is 4°C.
The total heating cost is $30.
Cost Per Degree of Heating FAQ
What does cost per degree of heating mean?
Cost per degree of heating means how much money is spent for each degree of temperature increase. For example, if you spend $20 to raise the temperature by 5 degrees, the cost per degree is $4 per degree.
Should I use Celsius or Fahrenheit?
Use the same temperature scale you used to measure the temperature change. If your temperature change is measured in Fahrenheit, use Fahrenheit. If it is measured in Celsius, use Celsius. A change of 1°C is equal to a change of 1.8°F.
Why is the temperature change used instead of the final temperature?
Heating cost depends on how much the temperature increases, not just the final temperature. Raising a room from 60°F to 70°F is a 10°F change. Raising it from 68°F to 70°F is only a 2°F change, so the heating cost would usually be much lower.
