Lava
Lava is molten rock that erupts from a volcano and flows on the Earth's surface before cooling and solidifying.
How big is it?
1,373 K · temperature
Also 2,012 °F
Temperature · defined reference
A little perspective
Lava vs Wood fire: temperature comparison
The temperature of lava is 300 K higher than the temperature of a wood fire.
Lava is molten rock that erupts from a volcano and flows on the Earth's surface before cooling and solidifying.
A wood fire is the burning of wood in air, producing heat, light and flames.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Lava
Temperature: 1,373 K; defined reference.
A chosen 1,100 °C lava-temperature model; composition and eruption conditions vary.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked temperature is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Wood fire
Temperature: 1,073 K; defined reference.
A chosen 800 °C flame-temperature example. Fuel, air supply and position in the flame matter.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked temperature is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 1,373 K
We compare the temperature of lava. This is an illustrative comparison value, not a claim that every example is the same.
A chosen 1,100 °C lava-temperature model; composition and eruption conditions vary.
The picture identifies the subject; the diagram compares the recorded values. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,373 K | Not recorded | defined reference |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Sources and method
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The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
More ways to see it
Curated comparisons
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
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SpaceSun1,391,000 kmThe Sun is the star at the centre of the Solar System.
Fundamental physicsPlanck temperature1.417 × 10³² KThe Planck temperature is a theoretical temperature scale at which quantum gravitational effects are expected to become important.TemperatureWood fire1,073 KA wood fire is the burning of wood in air, producing heat, light and flames.TemperatureMolten iron1,811 KMolten iron is iron in its liquid state, formed by heating solid iron above its melting point.TemperatureHot oven200 °CA hot oven is a kitchen appliance used for baking or roasting food at elevated temperatures.TemperatureBoiling water100 °CBoiling water is water heated until it changes rapidly from liquid to steam at standard atmospheric pressure.