Potential temperature calculator

Potential temperature calculator can be used to estimate the potential temperature of the air, which is a measure of the temperature of a parcel of air adjusted to the standard sea level pressure.

Input Parameters

Calculation Results

Calculation Formula

θ = T * (1000 / P)^(R / cp)

Where:
θ = Potential temperature (°C)
T = Actual temperature (°C)
P = Actual pressure (hPa)
R = Specific gas constant for dry air (287 J/(kg·K))
cp = Specific heat capacity at constant pressure (1004 J/(kg·K))

Result

Potential Temperature: -- °C

Potential temperature calculator Calculator Usage Guide

Learn how to use the Potential temperature calculator calculator and its working principles

How to Use the Calculator

  1. Enter the actual temperature of the air in degrees Celsius (°C).
  2. Enter the actual pressure of the air in hectopascals (hPa).
  3. Click the "Calculate" button to compute the potential temperature.
  4. The result will be displayed in degrees Celsius (°C).

Working Principle

Potential temperature is a measure of the temperature of a parcel of air adjusted to the standard sea level pressure. It is a useful parameter in meteorology for understanding the stability of the atmosphere. The potential temperature is calculated using the dry adiabatic lapse rate, assuming no exchange of heat with the surroundings.

The formula used for the calculation is:

θ = T * (1000 / P)^(R / cp)

Where:

  • θ = Potential temperature (°C)
  • T = Actual temperature (°C)
  • P = Actual pressure (hPa)
  • R = Specific gas constant for dry air (287 J/(kg·K))
  • cp = Specific heat capacity at constant pressure (1004 J/(kg·K))