Best Mechanical Engineering Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: Apr 24, 2023

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Mechanical engineering books are essential learning materials for aspiring engineers and professionals in the field. They cover a wide range of topics, including mechanics, thermodynamics, materials science, and manufacturing processes. These books are designed to help students and engineers gain a better understanding of the principles and practices of mechanical engineering. They provide detailed explanations, illustrations, and examples that make it easier to comprehend complex concepts. Some of the best mechanical engineering books include "Mechanical Engineering Design" by Joseph Shigley, "Engineering Mechanics: Statics & Dynamics" by Hibbeler, and "Fundamentals of Thermodynamics" by Borgnakke and Sonntag.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Machinery's Handbook Toolbox Cover #TOP 1
Machinery's Handbook Toolbox
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Cover #TOP 2
Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
ftb score rating icon 9.7
A Degree in a Book: Electrical And Mechanical Engineering: Everything You Need to Know to Master the Subject - in One Book! (A Degree in a Book, 5) Cover #TOP 3
A Degree in a Book: Electrical And Mechanical Engineering: Everything You Need to Know to Master the Subject - in One Book! (A Degree in a Book, 5)
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Mechanical Engineering Books

Oberg, Erik
Industrial Press, Inc.
Mar 1, 2020
Machinery's Handbook Toolbox Cover
Machinery's Handbook Toolbox

The Machinery's Handbook Toolbox is a must-have for anyone involved in metalworking, design, engineering, and manufacturing. With over a century of history, this reference work is the go-to source for fundamental and essential aspects of sophisticated manufacturing practice. The 31st edition includes major revisions and new material on topics such as metrology, fluid power, and powder metallurgy, making it an even more comprehensive and practical tool for professionals and hobbyists alike. The expanded content, updated standards, and extensive indexing make it easy to find the information needed. Overall, this book is an indispensable resource for anyone in the metalworking industries.

Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

Althouse, Andrew D.
Turnquist, Carl H.
Bracciano, Alfred F.
Bracciano, Daniel C.
Bracciano, Gloria M.
Goodheart-Willcox
Oct 29, 2019
Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Cover
Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning is an excellent resource for those looking to learn about installing and servicing refrigeration and HVAC systems. With a focus on both theory and practical skills, this book provides up-to-date technical content and features a logical organization, superior art program, and enhanced assessments. The inclusion of career and workplace readiness content makes it a valuable tool for those seeking a successful career in the HVACR industry. Overall, this book is a must-have for anyone interested in electrical home improvement and is a great addition to the Goodheart-Willcox brand.

#TOP 3

A Degree in a Book: Electrical And Mechanical Engineering: Everything You Need to Know to Master the Subject - in One Book! (A Degree in a Book, 5)

Baker, Dr David
Sirius
Jun 15, 2021
A Degree in a Book: Electrical And Mechanical Engineering: Everything You Need to Know to Master the Subject - in One Book! (A Degree in a Book, 5) Cover
A Degree in a Book: Electrical And Mechanical Engineering: Everything You Need to Know to Master the Subject - in One Book! (A Degree in a Book, 5)

A Degree in a Book: Electrical And Mechanical Engineering is an excellent guide for anyone interested in mastering the fundamentals of electrical and mechanical engineering. Written by former NASA engineer Dr David Baker, this book covers a wide range of topics, including Newtonian mechanics, nuclear engineering, artificial intelligence, and 3D printing. The book is presented in an attractive full-color format with flow charts, infographics, timelines, and information boxes. It also includes a glossary of key terms, making it an excellent resource for students and laypeople alike. Overall, this book is a valuable addition to the Arcturus Publishing's A Degree in a Book series and a must-read for anyone interested in engineering.

Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Technology (MindTap Course List)

Silberstein, Eugene
Obrzut, Jason
Tomczyk, John
Whitman, Bill
Johnson, Bill
Cengage Learning
Jan 1, 2020
Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Technology (MindTap Course List) Cover
Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Technology (MindTap Course List)

Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Technology is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand modern HVAC service and repair. The ninth edition emphasizes sustainable technology, new technologies, and green awareness. With over 400 new and revised figures and images, this book covers the latest advances in the HVAC/R industry. It also provides guidance on soft skills and customer relations. The real-world examples, photos, and Service Call features make complex concepts easy to understand. It is the best manual for covering the broad range of refrigeration industries and is an outstanding book written in simple terminology with an easily understood writing style.

Mechanical Engineering for Makers: A Hands-on Guide to Designing and Making Physical Things

Bunnell, Brian
Najia, Samer
Make Community, LLC
Feb 18, 2020
Mechanical Engineering for Makers: A Hands-on Guide to Designing and Making Physical Things Cover
Mechanical Engineering for Makers: A Hands-on Guide to Designing and Making Physical Things

The book "Mechanical Engineering for Makers: A Hands-on Guide to Designing and Making Physical Things" is a practical and user-friendly reference for makers who need to know basic mechanical elements to accomplish their personal projects. The book offers hands-on projects in each chapter that require common, inexpensive, and easily sourced materials and tools. It also provides real-world insights, tips, and tricks from the authors, making complex concepts uncomplicated. The book's unique approach and entertaining personal insights make it a great resource for makers who want to learn mechanical engineering without a formal degree.

#TOP 6

PPI Mechanical Engineering Reference Manual, 14th Edition - Comprehensive Reference Manual for the NCEES PE Exam

Lindeburg PE, Michael R.
PPI, a Kaplan Company
Dec 30, 2019
PPI Mechanical Engineering Reference Manual, 14th Edition - Comprehensive Reference Manual for the NCEES PE Exam Cover
PPI Mechanical Engineering Reference Manual, 14th Edition – Comprehensive Reference Manual for the NCEES PE Exam

The PPI Mechanical Engineering Reference Manual, 14th Edition is a comprehensive resource for those preparing for the NCEES PE exam. The book has been redesigned to help readers focus on the most important exam material, with NCEES equations highlighted for quick access. The author, Michael R. Lindeburg, PE, is a well-known expert in the field and has authored over 40 engineering reference and exam preparation books. This book is an essential tool for anyone seeking success on the NCEES PE Mechanical Exam.

Ethical Engineering (What Every Engineer Should Know)

Schlossberger, Eugene
Mar 29, 2023
Ethical Engineering (What Every Engineer Should Know) Cover
Ethical Engineering (What Every Engineer Should Know)

Ethical Engineering: A Practical Guide with Case Studies is a comprehensive book that provides guidance and practical solutions to the ethical issues that practicing engineers often face in their professional lives. The book outlines a decision-making procedure and helps engineers develop an ethics toolkit that identifies options and solutions. It covers a wide range of topics such as safety, sustainability, bioethics, diversity, equality, information technology, and AI, among others. The book is unique in its approach and offers an international perspective with codes of ethics from around the world. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for engineers seeking to navigate real-world ethical issues.

Perry's Chemical Engineers' Handbook, 9th Edition

Green, Don
Southard, Marylee Z.
McGraw Hill
Aug 29, 2018
Perry's Chemical Engineers' Handbook, 9th Edition Cover
Perry's Chemical Engineers' Handbook, 9th Edition

Perry's Chemical Engineers' Handbook, 9th Edition is an industry-standard resource that provides comprehensive coverage of every aspect of chemical engineering, from the fundamentals to the state of the art. This fully updated edition includes topics such as physical and chemical data, mathematics, thermodynamics, and waste management. It also covers bio-based reactions and processing, process safety, and materials of construction. The book is a must-have for engineers and chemists looking for vital information, data, and insights. Overall, Perry's Chemical Engineers' Handbook is an invaluable resource that is both informative and practical.

Fundamentals of HVACR

Stanfield, Carter
Skaves, David
Pearson
Jan 7, 2016
Fundamentals of HVACR Cover
Fundamentals of HVACR

This Third Edition of Fundamentals of HVACR is a comprehensive guide to the principles of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration. Presented in short and digestible units, the book uses hundreds of colorful visual aids to explain complex material in a concise and straightforward manner. The book is visually stunning, featuring 2900 supporting photographs, illustrations, drawings, and diagrams―most of them in full color. The Third Edition has been revised to reflect expanded coverage of electricity, motor controls, motor applications, new technologies, regulations, and changes in the HVACR market, making it the most up-to-date HVACR text available. Overall, Fundamentals of HVACR is an excellent resource for HVACR students and instructors alike.

Audel Millwrights and Mechanics Guide

Davis, Thomas B.
Nelson, Carl A.
Audel
Jan 2, 2004
Audel Millwrights and Mechanics Guide Cover
Audel Millwrights and Mechanics Guide

The Audel Millwrights and Mechanics Guide is a comprehensive guidebook covering maintenance and troubleshooting for all mechanical trades in a single volume. The hardcover edition includes information on both new and older equipment, making it an essential resource for millwrights, mechanics, carpenters, electricians, engineers, and industrial maintenance managers. The guide covers tools, measuring, installation, bearings, motor maintenance, electrical devices, and more. This updated edition is as valuable to today's skilled workers as previous editions were to their fathers and grandfathers.

Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What book should I read for mechanical engineering?

Marks' Standard Handbook for Mechanical Engineers, Mhprofessional.com. Shigley's Mechanical Engineering Design, Amazon.com. Fundamentals of Thermodynamics, Campusbookrentals.com. Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics, Bookbyte.com.

2. Is mechanical engineer is easy?

Mechanical engineering is very hard. In fact, mechanical engineering is known to be one of the toughest degrees because you need to take many difficult math and science courses, advanced technical classes, multiple lab sessions, and study a wide range of topics.

3. Can you teach yourself mechanical engineering?

You can teach yourself mechanical engineering, like how you can teach yourself anything. In fact, most learning, even in institutions, takes place on your own. Colleges mostly provide assessment and structure. However, if you want a career as a professional engineer, you'll probably need a license.

4. What subjects are good for mechanical engineering?

Maths and physics are generally the most important subjects for mechanical engineering, but many students manage to get on a course without having studied them. Showing a strong personal profile can sometimes be just as important as an academic one.

Editor's Notes

During our mechanical engineering book research, we found 1,200+ mechanical engineering book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 10,880 customer reviews through our big data system to write the mechanical engineering books list. We found that most customers choose mechanical engineering books with an average price of $117.37.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.