Blackbody Emission Calculator

Turn temperature into spectra with clear, trusted physics. Choose wavelength or frequency, then compare outputs. Download tables and reports for labs, classes, and design

Calculator

Must be greater than 0.
Use 1 for an ideal blackbody.
Choose one spectral axis for point results.
Used for Bλ and Mλ.
Leave blank to skip power results.
Optional far-field approximation.
CSV PDF

Formula used

Planck law (wavelength form): Bλ(T) = (2hc²/λ⁵) · 1/(e^{hc/(λkT)} - 1)

Planck law (frequency form): Bν(T) = (2hν³/c²) · 1/(e^{hν/(kT)} - 1)

Spectral exitance: Mλ = επBλ and Mν = επBν

Total exitance (Stefan-Boltzmann): M = εσT⁴, and P = MA

Peak wavelength (Wien): λmax = b/T

Units are SI. Wavelength-point results are also shown per nm.

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter temperature in kelvin and emissivity between 0 and 1.
  2. Select wavelength or frequency for a spectral point evaluation.
  3. Optionally add emitting area to compute total and spectral power.
  4. Optionally add distance to estimate far-field irradiance.
  5. Press Compute to see results above the form.
  6. Use CSV or PDF buttons to export the latest calculation.

Example data table

Sample: T = 5778 K, ε = 1, λ = 500 nm, A = 1 m², r = 1 m.
Input Value Unit
Temperature5778K
Emissivity1
Wavelength500nm
Area1m^2
Distance1m
Output Value Unit
Total exitance (M)6.32007e+7W/m^2
Peak wavelength501.518nm
Mλ at 500 nm82861.6W/m^2/nm
Total power (A=1)6.32007e+7W
Far-field irradiance (r=1, approx.)5.02935e+6W/m^2

Related Calculators

psychrometric calculatorwet bulb temperature calculatorvertical velocity calculatoratmospheric refraction calculatorsunrise sunset calculatorgeopotential height calculatorresidence time calculatoroh concentration calculatorvorticity calculatorevaporation rate calculator

Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.