Ice Bath Temperature 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

1. Use the water line to estimate the fullness of the ice bath (For example: 30% full)
2. 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 the amount of ice added

The amount of ice is the mass weight of the ice you submerged in your ice bath.

If you purchased an ice bag, the ice mass is most likely labelled on the front or back.

For a more reliable calculation, measure the amount of ice before you deposit it into the water. This ensures you can experience the ice’s maximum cooling potential when you submerge.

Step 5: Click the “calculate” button

By clicking the “calculate” button, the inputs you entered (water volume, initial water temperature, and amount of ice) will be used to calculate the final water temperature of your ice bath.

The formula used to calculate the final temperature is:

Final Temperature = ((Volume × 4.186 × Initial Temperature) + (Mass of Ice × 334)) / (Volume × 4.186)

Formula Components

Final Temperature – The lowest temperature of your ice bath after the ice deposit.

Volume – The amount of water you want the ice to affect.

4.186 – The specific heat capacity of water.

Initial Temperature – The temperature of the water before adding ice.

Mass of Ice – The mass weight of the ice you submerged in your ice bath.

334 – The latent heat of fusion of ice.

Calculation Process

1. (Volume × 4.186 × Initial Temperature)

This part of the equation involves multiplying the water volume by the specific heat capacity of water and the initial water temperature. Doing this calculates the initial thermal energy of the water.

2. (Mass of Ice × 334)

This part of the equation involves multiplying the mass of the ice by the latent heat of fusion of ice. Doing this calculates the energy released by the ice as it melts.

3. (Volume × 4.186)

This part of the equation involves multiplying the water volume by the specific heat capacity of water. Doing this calculates the heat capacity of the water, which is the amount of energy required to change it’s temperature.

4. (Step 1 × Step 2) / Step 3

Finally, multiplying the products of Step 1 and Step 2, and then dividing by Step 3, will estimate the final temperature of the water.