Enter the sum of the area of all elements (m^2), the heat capacity (J//kg-K), and the total floor area (m^2) into the Thermal Mass Calculator. The calculator will evaluate and display the Thermal Mass. 

Thermal Mass Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the Thermal Mass. 

TM = AE * HC / TFA
  • Where TM is the Thermal Mass (J/m^2-K)
  • AE is the sum of the area of all elements (m^2) 
  • HC is the heat capacity (J//kg-K) 
  • TFA is the total floor area (m^2) 

To calculate a thermal mass, multiply the sum of the areas of all elements by the heat capacity, then divide by the floor area.

How to Calculate Thermal Mass?

The following example problems outline how to calculate Thermal Mass.

Example Problem #1

  1. First, determine the sum of the area of all elements (m^2).
    • The sum of the area of all elements (m^2) is calculated to be : 30.
  2. Next, determine the heat capacity (J//kg-K). 
    • The heat capacity (J//kg-K) is measured to be: 10.
  3. Next, determine the total floor area (m^2). 
    • The total floor area (m^2) is found to be: 50.
  4. Finally, calculate the Thermal Mass using the formula above: 

TM = AE * HC / TFA

The values given above are inserted into the equation below and the solution is calculated:

TM = 30 * 10 / 50 = 6 (J/m^2-K)

Example Problem #2

The variables needed for this problem are provided below:

sum of the area of all elements (m^2) = 76

heat capacity (J//kg-K) = 85

total floor area (m^2) = 134

This example problem is a test of your knowledge on the subject. Use the calculator above to check your answer. 

TM = AE * HC / TFA = (J/m^2-K)