Time of Death Calculator

Estimate post-mortem interval (PMI) using body temperature, ambient temperature, body weight, and clothing. Based on Newton's Law of Cooling.

Inputs

Body Temperature

°F

Ambient Temperature

°F

Body Weight

lbs

Clothed

Tab to move between fields

Results

Estimated PMI

11.7 hrs

Confidence Range

9.9 – 13.5 hrs

Cooling Rate1.16 °F/hr

How to Use This Calculator

Enter Body Temperature, Ambient Temperature, and Body Weight.
Set Clothed, No / Minimal, and Yes / Fully Clothed.
Review Estimated PMI (hrs) and Confidence Range.
Use Cooling Rate (°F/hr) to inform your decision.
Use the chart to visualize the results and explore different scenarios by adjusting inputs.

What each input means

Body Temperature: Rectal temperature of the deceased at time of examination.
Ambient Temperature: Environmental temperature where the body was found.
Body Weight: Estimated weight; heavier bodies cool more slowly.
Clothed: Clothing insulates the body and slows cooling by approximately 20%.

What each result means

Estimated PMI: Estimated hours since death based on body cooling.
Cooling Rate: Estimated temperature loss per hour.
Confidence Range: Estimated PMI range accounting for uncertainty.

How this is calculated

Worked example, using the default values

Identify Input Parameters
4 parameters
Body Temperature = 85, Ambient Temperature = 70, Body Weight = 160, Clothed = 1 = 4 input(s) provided
Calculate Estimated PMI
Estimated PMI
11.7 = 11.7
Calculate Cooling Rate
Cooling Rate
1.16 = 1.16

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