Temperature Converter

Instantly convert between Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin temperature scales

Temperature Conversion Calculator

°C

Water freezes at 0°C, boils at 100°C

°F

Water freezes at 32°F, boils at 212°F

K

Absolute zero is 0K (-273.15°C)

Temperature Scale Comparison

Comparison of common temperatures across different scales

Temperature Conversion Formulas

Celsius Conversions

  • To Fahrenheit: (°C × 9/5) + 32 = °F
  • To Kelvin: °C + 273.15 = K

Fahrenheit Conversions

  • To Celsius: (°F − 32) × 5/9 = °C
  • To Kelvin: (°F − 32) × 5/9 + 273.15 = K

Kelvin Conversions

  • To Celsius: K − 273.15 = °C
  • To Fahrenheit: (K − 273.15) × 9/5 + 32 = °F

Common Temperatures

Description °C °F K
Absolute Zero -273.15 -459.67 0
Freezing Point (Water) 0 32 273.15
Room Temperature 20-25 68-77 293-298
Body Temperature 37 98.6 310.15
Boiling Point (Water) 100 212 373.15

About Temperature Scales

Celsius (°C)

The Celsius scale is a metric temperature scale where 0°C represents the freezing point of water and 100°C represents the boiling point of water at standard atmospheric pressure. It is widely used around the world in scientific contexts and daily life.

Fahrenheit (°F)

The Fahrenheit scale is primarily used in the United States. On this scale, 32°F is the freezing point of water and 212°F is the boiling point. It was developed by Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit in the early 18th century.

Kelvin (K)

The Kelvin scale is an absolute temperature scale used primarily in science. It starts at absolute zero (-273.15°C), the theoretical lowest possible temperature where all molecular motion ceases. One Kelvin is equivalent to one degree Celsius.

Understanding Temperature Conversions

Temperature conversion is a fundamental concept in physics, chemistry, and everyday life. Whether you're traveling internationally, conducting scientific experiments, cooking with a recipe from another country, or simply trying to understand weather reports from around the world, knowing how to convert between different temperature scales is essential.

The three most commonly used temperature scales are Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin. Each scale has its own unique history, applications, and reference points. Understanding the relationships between these scales allows for accurate communication and measurement across different contexts and regions.

Why Temperature Conversion Matters

In today's globalized world, temperature conversion plays a crucial role in various fields:

  • Travel and Tourism: Many countries use Celsius, while the United States primarily uses Fahrenheit. Knowing how to convert between these scales helps travelers understand weather conditions and adjust to local climate expectations.
  • Science and Research: The Kelvin scale is the standard for scientific measurements, particularly in physics and chemistry, as it provides an absolute reference point.
  • Cooking and Baking: Recipes from different countries use different temperature scales. Accurate conversion ensures culinary success when following international recipes.
  • Manufacturing and Industry: Many industrial processes require precise temperature control, often specified in different scales depending on the origin of the technology or standards.
  • Weather Forecasting: Understanding both Celsius and Fahrenheit allows for better comprehension of global weather patterns and reports.

History of Temperature Scales

The development of temperature scales represents a fascinating journey of scientific discovery:

Celsius: Developed by Anders Celsius in 1742, this scale originally had 0° as the boiling point of water and 100° as the freezing point. It was later inverted to its current form, which is used as the primary temperature scale in most countries worldwide.

Fahrenheit: Invented by Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit in 1724, this scale was originally based on the freezing point of a brine solution (0°F) and the average human body temperature (96°F). The scale was later recalibrated so that water freezes at 32°F and boils at 212°F at standard atmospheric pressure.

Kelvin: Named after William Thomson, 1st Baron Kelvin, this absolute temperature scale was developed in 1848. It is based on the concept of absolute zero, the theoretical temperature at which all molecular motion stops, which is defined as 0K.

Practical Applications of Temperature Conversion

Our temperature converter tool simplifies the process of converting between Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin, providing instant and accurate results. Whether you're a student learning about thermodynamics, a chef following an international recipe, a traveler preparing for a trip abroad, or a scientist conducting experiments, our tool ensures you get precise temperature conversions every time.

For best results, always ensure you're using the correct scale for your specific application. In scientific contexts, Kelvin is generally preferred for its absolute measurement. For everyday temperature references, Celsius is standard in most of the world, while Fahrenheit remains common in the United States and a few other countries.