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Heat conduction through a slab
Estimate steady heat conduction through one flat homogeneous layer.
Calculators / Science / Carnot efficiency
Carnot efficiency calculator
Find the ideal maximum heat-engine efficiency between two absolute temperatures.
On this page
Ideal efficiency50%
Calculator controls
How to calculate
Find the ideal maximum heat-engine efficiency between two absolute temperatures.
Ideal efficiency = (1-c/h)*100 %
Worked example
Hot reservoir temperature (K): 600; Cold reservoir temperature (K): 300.
Ideal efficiency: 50 %.
Assumptions and limits
Temperatures must be absolute kelvin, with the hot reservoir at least as warm as the cold reservoir. Real heat engines operate below this reversible limit.
Results are rounded for display; calculations use unrounded values. Read our calculation methodology.
Understanding the result
Find the ideal maximum heat-engine efficiency between two absolute temperatures.
When this tool is useful
Ideal efficiency = (1-c/h)*100 %
Understanding your inputs
| Input | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Hot reservoir temperature (K) | Enter a number of at least 1e-12 and no more than 1000000000000. |
| Cold reservoir temperature (K) | Enter a number of at least 1e-12 and no more than 1000000000000. |
Frequently asked questions
What assumptions does this calculation use?
Temperatures must be absolute kelvin, with the hot reservoir at least as warm as the cold reservoir. Real heat engines operate below this reversible limit.
How is the result calculated?
Ideal efficiency = (1-c/h)*100 %