Temperature Coefficient Q10

The Coefficient, Q₁₀ calculator computes the unitless measure of the rate of change of a biological or chemical process as a consequence of increasing the system's temperature by 10 C.  

INSTRUCTIONS: Choose units and enter the following:

• (t₂) Higher temperature
• (t₁) Lower temperature
• (k₂) Metabolic rate at t₂
• (k₁) Metabolic rate at t₁

Q10 Coefficient (Q₁₀): The ratio is computed and returned as a unitless real number.

The Math / Science

This Q₁₀ coefficient is used to represent nerve conduction velocity and  the contraction velocity of muscle fibers. This  Q₁₀ coefficient is also used to measure the rate of change of chemical reactions.  The formula for Q10 coefficient is:

          `Q_(10) = (k_2/k_1)^(10/(t2-t1))`

where:

• Q₁₀ = 10 C temperature driven chemical or biological process rate of change
• t₂ = Higher Temperature
• t₁ = Lower Temperature
• k₁ = Metabolic Rate at Higher Temperature
• k₂ = Metabolic Rate at Lower Temperature

Related Calculators

• Arrhenius Equation (for two temperatures)
• Ideal Gas Constant (R)
• Arrhenius Equation
• Temperature Coefficient Q10