basic

Heat Engine Work Output and Thermal Efficiency Calculator

W = Q_h − Q_c; η = W/Q_h — real heat engine performance.

Given heat input Q_h and heat rejected Q_c, calculates net work W = Q_h − Q_c, thermal efficiency η = W/Q_h, and compares to Carnot efficiency.

Nadia Almasri By Nadia Almasri
Published Last reviewed 1 min read

Inputs

J
J

Results

Enter values and click Calculate to see results.
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How to use this calculator

  1. Fill in the inputs above using the units you already have.
  2. Values update automatically as you type — no submit button needed.
  3. Hover any result row for the underlying formula and intermediate values.

Formula

W = Q_h − Q_c; η = W / Q_h

In depth

Given heat input Q_h and heat rejected Q_c, calculates net work W = Q_h − Q_c, thermal efficiency η = W/Q_h, and compares to Carnot efficiency.