Time Of Death Calculator
Estimate time since death using body and ambient temperature with a practical algor mortis rule-of-thumb.
Use this calculator with two temperature readings from the scene:
Step 1: Select your unit (°C or °F).
Step 2: Enter ambient temperature where the body was found.
Step 3: Enter body temperature measured rectally.
Step 4: Click "Calculate Time Since Death" to get the estimated elapsed hours and a practical window.
Step 5: Adjust either temperature and recalculate. The tool updates immediately so you can compare scenarios.
The model uses this rule in Fahrenheit:
Time since death (hours) = (98.6 - Body temperature) / T
Where T depends on ambient temperature: - If ambient temperature is below 32°F (0°C), T = 1.5 - If ambient temperature is 32°F (0°C) or higher, T = 0.75
If you enter Celsius, values are converted to Fahrenheit internally before calculation.
Why does T change? Cooling behavior shifts around freezing conditions, so this method uses a different factor on each side of the 32°F threshold.
This calculator is based on algor mortis, the postmortem cooling process. After death, metabolic heat production stops and body temperature gradually moves toward ambient temperature. Because cooling rate is strongly affected by environment, this tool should be treated as a first-pass estimate, not a stand-alone forensic conclusion.
Investigators usually combine temperature with other findings like rigor mortis, livor mortis, scene context, and medical history. Use the result as a structured reference point for timeline analysis.
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