Time Of Death Calculator

The time of death calculator is a tool used to assess the time that has passed between a person's death and the discovery of their body.

In forensic science, the time of death is one of the most crucial pieces of information that can be obtained at the crime scene and in the dissecting-room.

⚰️ Read on to discover how to calculate the time of death using two different methods:

• Calculating time of death using rigor mortis (change in the rigidity of the body); and
• Calculating time of death using algor mortis (change in the temperature of the body).

1. To use our time of death calculator, you'll need a set of two temperatures:

   • The ambient temperature - the temperature of the surroundings where the body was found (e.g., the air temperature); and

   • The body temperature - the temperature of the body measured in the rectum.

2. Your results will be shown in hours by default.

Remember, our calculators work both ways! Feel free to play with the numbers.

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How to tell how long a person has been dead? We've got an easy answer for that! Try the following equation:

Time since death = (98.6 − Body temperature) / T

where:

1. Time since death is given in hours;

2. Body temperature is given in Fahrenheit (F); and

3. T is a factor that depends on the ambient temperature:

   • When ambient temperature < 32 °F (0 °C), T = 1.5; and
   • When ambient temperature ≥ 32 °F (0 °C), T = 0.75.

Why does the T factor change?

A body begins to cool from the moment of death — the speed of this process is relatively quicker if the surrounding temperature is low enough to freeze water. We use 32°F (0°C) as the threshold — that's the temperature below which water turns into ice.

Calculating the time of death using algor mortis — answers and key, we've got everything you need. Now, let's try our hand at another method used by professionals. ⤵️

Rigor mortis (post-death stiffness) is a method used by forensic doctors and technicians. It is based on the fact that the corpse becomes rigid a few hours after death, and then becomes flexible again after a given period of time.

Use the table below to estimate the time of death:

We can overcome the stiffness of a dead body to bend the limbs. Depending on the time that has passed since death, the stiffness will or will not come back. That is another method that may help us in a precise estimation of the time of death.

The time of death is determined any time the circumstances of the death are unclear. That includes death in a public place with no witnesses, and the deaths of young, healthy people.

The very first assessment is carried out by the police and the forensic scientist at the scene - their main goal is to secure all the evidence. A detailed investigation is then performed during the autopsy.

What are other methods to assess the time of death?
Other methods for calculating the time of death include:

1. Assessing the interlethal reactions:

   • Pupils' reaction after chemical stimulation;
   • Contractions after hitting the spot above the patella;
   • Muscles' contraction after chemical/electrical stimulation; and
   • Production of sweat after chemical stimulation.

2. Desiccation (dryness of the body parts, e.g., lips).

3. Livor mortis - dark discoloration of the skin in parts of the body that were the closest to the ground.

4. Finally, putrefaction and decomposition of the body.