How to use the geothermal temperature at depth calculator
Estimate the rock temperature at a depth from the surface temperature and the geothermal gradient. Enter surface temperature, geothermal gradient, depth in the fields above; the temperature at depth are computed instantly and plotted on the chart so you can see how the answer changes.
Common searches this calculator answers include “geothermal gradient temperature”, “temperature underground”, “rock temperature at depth”, “calculate geothermal temperature at depth”, “find temperature at depth”.
Formula
Variables
- T0 — Surface temperature (°C)
- g — Geothermal gradient (°C/km)
- d — Depth (km)
Worked example
With surface temperature = 15 °C, geothermal gradient = 25 °C/km, depth = 3 km, the calculator gives temperature at depth ≈ 90 °C; temperature at depth ≈ 194 °F.
Frequently asked questions
What is the geothermal temperature at depth calculator used for?
Estimate the rock temperature at a depth from the surface temperature and the geothermal gradient. It helps with questions such as “geothermal gradient temperature”, “temperature underground”, “rock temperature at depth”.
What is the formula for the geothermal temperature at depth calculation?
Temperature at depth (°C) = T0+g × d. Temperature at depth (°F) = [Temperature at depth] × 1.8+32. Here T0 is surface temperature (°C), g is geothermal gradient (°C/km), d is depth (km).
What inputs do I need for the geothermal temperature at depth calculator?
You need surface temperature in °C, geothermal gradient in °C/km, depth in km. Each field is pre-filled with a typical example so you can see how the result responds as you edit the numbers.
How do I use the geothermal temperature at depth calculator?
Type values into the input fields. Results and the chart update instantly. Use Reset to restore the example values, Copy results to paste them elsewhere, or Share to copy a link that preserves your inputs.
Is the geothermal temperature at depth result exact?
Calculations use standard formulas and double-precision arithmetic, then display about seven significant figures. Real-world measurements carry uncertainty, so treat results as estimates unless your inputs are exact.