Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram

The single most important diagram in stellar astronomy. Plot temperature against luminosity and stars sort themselves into the main sequence, giants, and white dwarfs.

Hertzsprung-Russell DiagramLive

the map of the stars

Controls

Presets

Your star temperature (K)

The H-R diagram plots stars by temperature and luminosity, revealing the main sequence (a diagonal band), red giants, supergiants, and white dwarfs. Your star (pink ring) sits on the main sequence where luminosity scales as T⁴.

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Data Inspector

Spectral classG

Luminosity1.00 L☉

Temperature5,778 K

Governing equation

\frac{L}{L _{⊙}} = (\frac{T}{T _{⊙}})^{4} = (\frac{5778}{5778})^{4} = 1.00

Reading this result: A cool orange K-type star: lower temperature places it low-right on the main sequence, dimmer and longer-lived than the Sun.

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How it works

The H-R diagram reveals the life stages of stars. Most spend their lives on the main sequence, a diagonal band where hotter stars are more luminous. Red giants and supergiants sit above it, white dwarfs below. Set a temperature to see the spectral class (OBAFGKM) and where that star lands.

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Frequently asked questions

Is this Hertzsprung-Russell diagram tool really free?▾

Yes. Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram runs entirely in your browser using your device's own compute, so local use is free forever. You only pay Compute Tokens if you scale a job to the cloud.

Do I need to install anything?▾

No. Everything runs client-side in a modern browser — no downloads, no license, no account required to start.

Can I save or share my simulation?▾

Create a free account to save projects, and use a shareable embed or minted DOI to publish a live, interactive version anywhere.

How accurate are the results?▾

The solver uses established numerical methods, but results are for research and educational purposes and should be validated against experiment or professional review before you rely on them.