Earth Science

Geothermal Gradient Calculator

Calculate geothermal gradient from surface temperature, deeper temperature and depth.

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Move between earthquakes, seismic waves, radiometric dating, geothermal gradients, porosity, tectonic plate motion and density relationships.

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Geothermal Gradient Calculator is an educational Earth Science tool for exploring a standard quantitative relationship.

How it works

Enter the requested values using the stated units. The calculator validates the numerical domain and applies gradient = (Tdepth − Tsurface) / depth.

The formula

gradient = (Tdepth − Tsurface) / depth

Variables: Tsurface = Surface temperature (°C); Tdepth = Temperature at depth (°C); depth = Depth (km).

Worked example

Example: 15°C at surface, 315°C at 10 km → 30°C/km.

Frequently asked questions

What is this Earth Science calculator intended for?

It is intended for Earth Science study, classroom exercises and understanding the quantitative relationship represented by the model.

Does the result reproduce every real geologic situation?

No. Real Earth systems can be more complex. The result should be interpreted within the assumptions, units and simplifications of the stated model.

Last content reviewSeptember 25, 2026
Editorial reviewHe-Sab Editorial Review

Sources and references

These sources are used to verify terminology, formulas, and information related to this calculator.