Carnot Efficiency Calculator

Find the maximum efficiency of a heat engine.

Carnot efficiency (%) 40

Formula: η = 1 − T_cold ÷ T_hot

Step-by-step with your numbers:

1. Values used:

2. Cold reservoir = 300 K

3. Hot reservoir = 500 K

5. Carnot efficiency = 40%

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The Carnot efficiency is the theoretical maximum for any heat engine.

The math behind it

η = 1 − cold temperature ÷ hot temperature (both in kelvin).

300 K & 500 K → 40%.

Real engines?

Always less efficient than this ideal limit.