Temperature Converter

Convert between Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin temperature units

Conversion Result

Result 0

What Is Temperature Conversion?

Temperature is a physical property that expresses hot and cold. Because different regions and scientific fields use different scales to measure temperature, converting between them is a frequent necessity.

For example, while most of the world uses the Celsius scale for daily temperature reports, the United States primarily uses the Fahrenheit scale. Scientists often use the Kelvin scale for thermodynamic calculations.

Common Temperature Scales

Celsius (°C): Also known as centigrade, it is based on the freezing point of water at 0°C and the boiling point at 100°C under standard atmospheric pressure.
Fahrenheit (°F): A scale where water freezes at 32°F and boils at 212°F. It is commonly used in the United States and some Caribbean countries.
Kelvin (K): The SI base unit of temperature. It is an absolute scale, meaning it starts at absolute zero (0 K), the point at which all thermal motion ceases.

Formulas for Temperature Conversion

Our converter does the calculations automatically, but here are the formulas used:

Celsius to Fahrenheit: °F = (°C × 9/5) + 32
Fahrenheit to Celsius: °C = (°F - 32) × 5/9
Celsius to Kelvin: K = °C + 273.15
Kelvin to Celsius: °C = K - 273.15
Fahrenheit to Kelvin: K = (°F - 32) × 5/9 + 273.15

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Absolute Zero?

Absolute zero is the lowest limit of the thermodynamic temperature scale. It corresponds to -273.15°C or -459.67°F. At this temperature, the fundamental particles of nature have minimal vibrational motion.

Are Celsius and Fahrenheit ever equal?

Yes, the Celsius and Fahrenheit scales intersect at one point: -40 degrees. So, -40°C is exactly equal to -40°F.

Why do scientists use Kelvin?

Kelvin is used because it is an absolute scale directly related to the kinetic energy of particles. It makes physical laws and equations (like the Ideal Gas Law) simpler to write and calculate because there are no negative temperatures.