Q10 Calculator
Calculate the Q10 temperature coefficient — the factor by which a reaction rate changes with a 10°C temperature increase.
Formula
Q10 = (R₂/R₁)^[10/(T₂−T₁)]
- Q10 = 1: rate is temperature-independent.
- Q10 = 2: rate doubles for every 10°C increase (typical for biological reactions).
- Q10 > 2: strong temperature dependence (chemical reactions, some enzymes).
- Arrhenius activation energy can be estimated from Q10.
Rate doubles from 10°C to 20°C
Inputs
- Rate at Temperature 1 (R₁): 10
- Temperature 1 (T₁): 10 °C
- Rate at Temperature 2 (R₂): 20
- Temperature 2 (T₂): 20 °C
Q10 = (20/10)^(10/10) = 2^1 = 2.0.
Frequently asked questions
What is a typical Q10 for enzyme reactions?
Most enzyme-catalyzed reactions have Q10 ≈ 2 between 10–40°C. Above optimal temperature, Q10 can drop as enzymes denature.
What is Q10 for metabolic rate?
Animal metabolic rates typically have Q10 = 2–3, varying by species and temperature range.