Temperature Converter
Instantly convert between Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin. Perfect for cooking, weather, and science.
🔥 Common Temperature Conversions
| Description | Celsius | Fahrenheit | Kelvin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Absolute Zero | -273.15°C | -459.67°F | 0 K |
| Water Freezes | 0°C | 32°F | 273.15 K |
| Room Temperature | 20°C | 68°F | 293.15 K |
| Body Temperature | 37°C | 98.6°F | 310.15 K |
| Perfect Beach Day | 25°C | 77°F | 298.15 K |
| Water Boils | 100°C | 212°F | 373.15 K |
📚 About Temperature Conversion
How Temperature Conversion Works
Temperature conversion involves mathematical formulas to translate values between different temperature scales. The three most common scales are Celsius (used worldwide), Fahrenheit (primarily in the United States), and Kelvin (used in science).
Celsius to Fahrenheit: Multiply by 9/5 (or 1.8), then add 32. For example: 25°C × 1.8 + 32 = 77°F
Fahrenheit to Celsius: Subtract 32, then multiply by 5/9. For example: (77°F - 32) × 5/9 = 25°C
Celsius to Kelvin: Simply add 273.15. For example: 25°C + 273.15 = 298.15 K
When to Use This Converter
- Cooking & Baking: Converting recipe temperatures from American (°F) to international (°C) standards
- Travel: Understanding weather forecasts when visiting countries that use different temperature scales
- Science & Education: Converting between everyday temperatures and scientific measurements (Kelvin)
- Home & DIY: Setting thermostats, ovens, or air conditioning to the right temperature
- Healthcare: Understanding fever temperatures reported in different units
Temperature Scale History
Celsius (originally called centigrade) was developed by Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius in 1742. It's based on the freezing (0°) and boiling (100°) points of water at sea level.
Fahrenheit was invented by German physicist Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit in 1724. He set 0°F as the freezing point of brine (salt water) and 96°F as human body temperature (later refined to 98.6°F).
Kelvin was introduced by Lord Kelvin (William Thomson) in 1848. It's an absolute scale starting at absolute zero (-273.15°C), the theoretical point where all molecular motion stops. Kelvin is the SI unit for temperature and is used extensively in physics and chemistry.
Quick Tips
- A 1-degree change in Celsius equals a 1.8-degree change in Fahrenheit
- -40°C and -40°F are the same temperature (the scales intersect here)
- The Kelvin scale never uses the degree symbol (°) - just "K"
- Human-comfortable room temperature is around 20-22°C (68-72°F)
- Most ovens operate between 150-250°C (300-480°F)