This calculator estimates the required ice to reach your desired water temperature.
The estimate is based on a simplified heat transfer formula:
Ice Needed = Volume × (Initial Temperature – Desired Temperature) / 80
Please be aware that this calculator does not account for variables such as ambient air pressure and insulation.
Ice Bath Calculator
Shortcuts
How to Use the Ice Bath Calculator
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use the Ice Bath Calculator:
Step 1: Choose your preferred measurement system
The Metric and Imperial measurement systems are two different ways to associate numbers with physical quantities. This allows us to communicate precise measurements to one another.
The Metric System is commonly used internationally, whereas the Imperial System is used in America, Liberia and Myanmar.
Metric System Measurements
- Speed – Kilometers per hour
- Temperature – Celcius
- Liquid – Litre
- Weight – Kilograms, Grams
- Distance – Centimeter, Meter, Kilometer
Imperial System Measurements
- Speed – Miles per hour
- Temperature – Fahrenheit
- Liquid – Gallon
- Weight – Pounds, Ounces
- Distance – Inch, Yard, Mile
Step 2: Enter your water volume
The water volume of an ice bath is the amount of water inside of the tub. It is not the total volume that the tub can hold unless the water is filled to the top.
By the Metric System, it is measured in litres, by the Imperial System, it is measured in gallons.
How to Approximate Water Volume
- Use the water line to estimate the fullness of the ice bath (For example: 30% full)
- Multiply the total volume of the ice bath by your estimation (For example: 302L × 0.3 = 90.6L)
Standard Ice Bath Volumes
- Bathtub – max capacity of 302 litres (80 gallons)
- Ice Barrel – max capacity of 397 litres (105 gallons)
- 12.1 cu.ft Chest Freezer – 432.2 litres (90.7 gallons)
- 20.2 cu.ft Chest Freezer – 571.6 litres (151 gallons)
Step 3: Enter your initial water temperature
The initial water temperature is the water temperature before you add ice. Use a thermometer to determine the temperature of the water accurately.
The default temperature is set at 20 degrees Celcius (68 degrees Fahrenheit). This is close to the average room temperature in many regions.
If you don’t have a thermometer, estimating the water temperature will not provide reliable results.
Step 4: Enter your desired water temperature
The desired temperature is how cold you want your ice bath to be. Aim for at least 15 degrees Celcius (59 degrees Fahrenheit) for cold therapy to be effective.
Over time your body will adapt to the cold, so decreasing the temperature gradually is recommended.
Regular ice bathers tend to use water temperatures of 5-10 degrees Celcius (41-50 degrees Fahrenheit). For safety reasons, beginners and children should not submerge in water less than 15 degrees Celsius.
Step 5: Click the “calculate” button
By clicking the “calculate” button, the inputs you entered (water volume, initial water temperature, and desired temperature) will be used to calculate the required ice for your ice bath.
The formula used to calculate the required ice is:
Ice Needed = Volume × (Initial Temperature – Desired Temperature) / 80
Formula Components
Ice Needed – The amount of ice that you need for the water to reach your desired temperature.
Volume – The amount of water you want the ice to affect.
Initial Temperature – The temperature of the water before adding ice.
Desired Temperature – The target temperature you want to achieve after adding ice.
80 – The approximate heat energy to melt 1 gram of ice.
Calculation Process
1. Volume × (Initial Temperature – Desired Temperature)
This part of the equation involves multiplying the volume of the water by the temperature difference. This provides the total amount of energy required to lower the temperature to the desired temperature.
2. Dividing by 80
80 calories is the approximate heat energy to melt 1 gram of ice. By dividing the total energy required by 80, it will provide an answer to the required mass of ice.