Temperature Converter
Convert between Celsius, Fahrenheit, Kelvin and Rankine. To go from °C to °F, multiply by 9/5 and add 32.
Temperature
0 °C is 32 °F and 100 °C is 212 °F. The two scales meet at −40.
Key Reference Points
Common temperatures to know
| Reference | °C | °F |
|---|---|---|
| Freezing point of waterIce forms below this point | 0° | 32° |
| Room temperatureComfortable indoor climate | 20° | 68° |
| Body temperatureNormal human body temp | 37° | 98.6° |
| Boiling point of waterAt sea level / standard pressure | 100° | 212° |
| Equal point (°C = °F)The only point where °C equals °F | -40° | -40° |
Temperature: Scales, Measurement, and Types Explained
Temperature is a fundamental measurement used to describe how hot or cold something is. It plays a crucial role in science, weather forecasting, medicine, and everyday life.
Major Temperature Scales
Over time, several temperature scales were developed. The three most widely used today are Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin.
Celsius Scale (°C)
The Celsius scale was developed by Anders Celsius in the 18th century. It is based on the freezing point (0°C) and boiling point (100°C) of water under standard conditions. Celsius is the most commonly used temperature scale worldwide, especially in science and everyday life.
Fahrenheit Scale (°F)
The Fahrenheit scale was created by Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit. In this system, water freezes at 32°F and boils at 212°F. Fahrenheit is primarily used in the United States and a few other regions.
Kelvin Scale (K)
The Kelvin scale is the standard unit of temperature in science and is part of the International System of Units (SI). It was developed by William Thomson, 1st Baron Kelvin. Kelvin starts at absolute zero (0 K), the point at which all molecular motion stops. Unlike Celsius and Fahrenheit, it does not use degrees.
Why Temperature Measurement Matters
Temperature is essential in many fields:
Weather and Climate
Tracking global temperatures and climate change
Medicine
Monitoring body temperature for health
Science and Engineering
Controlling experiments and industrial systems
Everyday Life
Cooking, heating, and cooling
Accurate temperature measurement ensures safety, efficiency, and scientific progress.
Convert between Celsius, Fahrenheit, Kelvin, and Rankine — used in science, cooking, weather, and engineering.
Formula
°F = °C × 9/5 + 32. K = °C + 273.15. °R = °F + 459.67.
Reference Values
- •0°C = 32°F (freezing point of water)
- •100°C = 212°F (boiling point)
- •37°C = 98.6°F (body temperature)
FAQ
Common questions about Temperature Converter
How we calculate this
We use the standard published formula for this calculation, and we show the working so you can check it.
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