Degree Days Calculator

Enter daily high and low temperatures to calculate heating degree days (HDD) and cooling degree days (CDD) for energy use estimation.

Settings

Standard: 65°F / 18°C

Daily Temperatures

Load sample week:

Total HDD
0
Heating Degree Days
Total CDD
0
Cooling Degree Days
Days entered: 0 Base: 65°F Avg mean:

Daily Log

Add days using the form on the left
# High Low Mean HDD CDD Del
No data yet

Summary

Enter daily high and low temperatures to calculate heating degree days (HDD) and cooling degree days (CDD) for energy use estimation.

How it works

  1. Enter a base temperature (default 65°F / 18°C) — the threshold below which heating is needed and above which cooling is needed.
  2. Add daily temperature records by entering the high and low temperature for each day.
  3. The calculator computes the mean daily temperature as (high + low) / 2.
  4. HDD for a day = max(0, base − mean temperature). CDD for a day = max(0, mean temperature − base).
  5. Totals accumulate across all days entered to give the period HDD and CDD.
  6. Higher HDD means more heating energy needed; higher CDD means more cooling energy needed.

Use cases

  • Estimate seasonal heating and cooling energy costs before moving to a new region.
  • Compare energy demand between two locations or two years.
  • Size HVAC systems based on local climate data.
  • Verify utility bills against expected degree-day-based consumption.
  • Academic coursework in thermodynamics, building science, or energy engineering.
  • Track year-over-year climate trends for a building energy audit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-06-10 · Reviewed by Nham Vu