Temperature Converter
Convert temperatures between Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin quickly and easily.
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Recommended Conversion Tools
Celsius to Fahrenheit
Most commonly used conversion worldwide. Convert temperatures from Celsius (°C) to Fahrenheit (°F).
20°C = 68°F
37°C = 98.6°F
Fahrenheit to Celsius
Convert from US standard to metric. Perfect for international temperature conversions.
98.6°F = 37°C
32°F = 0°C
Celsius to Kelvin
Scientific temperature conversion. Essential for calculations and research.
0°C = 273.15K
100°C = 373.15K
Quick Conversion Tools
Common Conversion Examples
Temperature Comparison Table
| Description | Celsius | Fahrenheit | Kelvin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extreme Cold / Deep Freezer | -40.00°C | -40.00°F | 233.15K |
| Typical Freezer Temperature | -18.00°C | -0.40°F | 255.15K |
| Water Freezing Point | 0.00°C | 32.00°F | 273.15K |
| Refrigerator Temperature | 4.00°C | 39.20°F | 277.15K |
| Room Temperature | 20.00°C | 68.00°F | 293.15K |
| Human Body Temperature | 37.00°C | 98.60°F | 310.15K |
| Hot Bath | 40.00°C | 104.00°F | 313.15K |
| Water Boiling Point | 100.00°C | 212.00°F | 373.15K |
Conversion Formulas
Temperature Conversion Formulas
Celsius to Fahrenheit
°F = (°C × 9/5) + 32
Fahrenheit to Celsius
°C = (°F - 32) × 5/9
Kelvin Conversions
K = °C + 273.15
°C = K - 273.15
Detailed Temperature Conversion Formulas
Celsius ↔ Fahrenheit
°F = (°C × 9/5) + 32
Example: 20°C = (20 × 9/5) + 32 = 68°F
°C = (°F - 32) × 5/9
Example: 68°F = (68 - 32) × 5/9 = 20°C
Celsius ↔ Kelvin
K = °C + 273.15
Example: 0°C = 0 + 273.15 = 273.15K
°C = K - 273.15
Example: 273.15K = 273.15 - 273.15 = 0°C
Fahrenheit ↔ Kelvin
K = (°F - 32) × 5/9 + 273.15
Example: 32°F = (32 - 32) × 5/9 + 273.15 = 273.15K
°F = (K - 273.15) × 9/5 + 32
Example: 273.15K = (273.15 - 273.15) × 9/5 + 32 = 32°F
Practical Applications
Temperature Categories
Cooking & Food Safety
- 165°C (329°F)Baking bread
Ideal temperature for crusty bread
- 4°C (39°F)Safe refrigeration
Prevents bacterial growth
- -18°C (0°F)Freezer storage
Long-term food preservation
- 72°C (162°F)Safe meat temperature
Eliminates harmful bacteria
- 82°C (180°F)Coffee brewing
Optimal extraction temperature
Medical & Healthcare
- 37°C (98.6°F)Normal body temperature
Healthy human baseline
- 38°C (100.4°F)Fever threshold
Medical attention may be needed
- 2-8°C (36-46°F)Vaccine storage
Standard vaccine preservation
- -70°C (-94°F)Ultra-cold vaccine storage
mRNA vaccine requirements
- 36.5-37.5°C (97.7-99.5°F)Healthy range
Normal body temperature variation
Industrial Processes
- 1500°C (2732°F)Steel production
Metal smelting point
- 200°C (392°F)Plastic molding
Thermoplastic forming
- 1000°C (1832°F)Glass making
Glass transition point
- 150°C (302°F)Industrial drying
Material dehydration
- 2000°C (3632°F)Ceramic firing
High-temperature kiln firing
Scientific Research
- -273.15°C (0K)Absolute zero
Lowest possible temperature
- -196°C (-321°F)Liquid nitrogen
Cryogenic applications
- 5800°C (10472°F)Sun's surface
Solar photosphere
- -269°C (-452°F)Superconductivity
Zero electrical resistance
- 100°C (212°F)Water boiling point
Standard pressure boiling
Specialized Applications
Weather & Climate
Temperature measurements are crucial for weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and understanding global patterns. Meteorologists use various temperature scales to track atmospheric conditions and predict weather changes.
- Weather forecasting and prediction
- Climate change monitoring and research
- Ocean temperature tracking systems
- Atmospheric studies and modeling
- Urban heat island analysis
Modern meteorology relies heavily on precise temperature measurements across different altitudes and locations to create accurate weather models and climate predictions.
Agriculture
Temperature control is vital in agriculture for optimal crop growth, storage, and processing. Different crops require specific temperature ranges for germination, growth, and storage.
- Greenhouse climate control systems
- Seed storage and germination
- Soil temperature monitoring
- Crop protection from frost
- Post-harvest storage conditions
Agricultural success depends on maintaining optimal temperatures throughout the growing cycle and storage period to maximize yield and minimize losses.
Electronics
Temperature management is critical in electronics for optimal performance and preventing damage. Devices must operate within specific temperature ranges to maintain reliability.
- CPU temperature monitoring
- Device cooling systems
- Circuit board testing
- Battery temperature control
- Server room climate control
Modern electronics generate significant heat and require sophisticated cooling solutions to maintain optimal operating temperatures.
Specialized Systems
Laboratory Equipment
- 37°C (98.6°F)Incubators
Cell culture growth
- -80°C (-112°F)Freezers
Sample preservation
- 121°C (250°F)Autoclaves
Sterilization
Manufacturing
- 900°C (1652°F)Heat Treatment
Metal hardening
- 150-300°C (302-572°F)Injection Molding
Plastic forming
- 700°C (1292°F)Annealing
Stress relief
Temperature Control Systems
Heating Systems
- 🔥 Central heating
20-22°C (68-72°F)
- 🏭 Industrial furnaces
Up to 2000°C (3632°F)
- 🔬 Laboratory incubators
37°C (98.6°F)
Cooling Systems
- ❄️ Air conditioning
18-24°C (64-75°F)
- 🧊 Industrial refrigeration
-20°C (-4°F)
- 🌡️ Cryogenic storage
-196°C (-321°F)
Scientific Facts
Earth's Temperature Records
Coldest Natural Temperature
-89.2°C (-128.6°F)
Location: Vostok Station, Antarctica
Date: July 21, 1983
Recorded at a Russian research station in Antarctica, this remains the lowest natural temperature ever recorded on Earth's surface.
Hottest Natural Temperature
56.7°C (134°F)
Location: Death Valley, USA
Date: July 10, 1913
Measured at Furnace Creek Ranch in Death Valley, California, this stands as the highest reliably recorded temperature on Earth.
Cosmic Temperature Scale
Sun's Core
15,000,000°C
Nuclear fusion reactions generate extreme heat
Sun's Surface
5,500°C
Visible photosphere temperature
Space Background
-270.45°C
Cosmic microwave background radiation
Mercury (Day)
430°C
Closest planet to the Sun
Solar System Temperatures
Mercury
Day: 430°C
Night: -180°C
Extreme temperature variation due to lack of atmosphere
Venus
Average: 462°C
Hottest planet due to runaway greenhouse effect
Mars
Average: -63°C
Cold desert world with thin atmosphere
Jupiter
Average:
Complex atmospheric temperature layers
Natural Phenomena
Lightning
27,760°C
Can heat air to five times hotter than the Sun's surface
Lava
700-1,200°C
Varies based on composition and location
Forest Fire
800-1,000°C
Can vary based on fuel and conditions
Notable Temperature Points
Absolute Zero
-273.15°CTheoretical lowest possible temperature
Liquid Nitrogen
-196°CUsed in cryogenics and food preservation
Water Freezing
0°CPhase transition from liquid to solid
Water Boiling
100°CPhase transition from liquid to gas
Iron Melting
1,538°CUsed in metallurgy and manufacturing
Laboratory Temperature Achievements
Coldest Laboratory Temperature
0.000000000038 K
Location: MIT Laboratory
Year: 2003
Created using sodium gas atoms and magnetic fields
This ultra-cold temperature was achieved using laser cooling and magnetic trapping of sodium atoms, approaching absolute zero.
Hottest Laboratory Temperature
5.5 trillion °C
Location: CERN LHC
Year: 2012
Achieved in quark-gluon plasma collisions
This extreme temperature was reached during heavy-ion collisions, recreating conditions similar to those just after the Big Bang.
Fascinating Temperature Facts
Absolute Zero
The lowest possible temperature (-273.15°C) where all molecular motion stops
At absolute zero, atoms have the minimum possible energy. It's impossible to reach this temperature, but scientists have come incredibly close.
Triple Point of Water
The temperature (0.01°C) where water can exist as solid, liquid, and gas simultaneously
This unique point occurs at a specific combination of temperature and pressure, where all three phases of water can coexist in equilibrium.
Plasma Formation
Gases become plasma at extremely high temperatures, creating the fourth state of matter
When gases are heated to very high temperatures, electrons separate from atoms, creating an ionized state of matter called plasma.
Superconductivity
Some materials lose all electrical resistance at very low temperatures
Below certain critical temperatures, some materials exhibit zero electrical resistance and expel magnetic fields, enabling levitation.
Historical Development
Early Temperature Measurement
The concept of measuring temperature has evolved significantly throughout human history. Early civilizations relied on subjective feelings of hot and cold, but the need for more precise measurements led to the development of various temperature scales and measuring devices.
Ancient Methods
- • Ancient Greeks: Used hand-feel methods
- • Romans: Rudimentary water temperature tests
- • Medieval alchemists: Basic heat scales
First Instruments
- • 1592: Galileo's thermoscope
- • 1612: Santorio's numerical scale
- • 1654: Ferdinand II's sealed thermometer
Development of Major Temperature Scales
1724 - Fahrenheit Scale
Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit revolutionized temperature measurement by creating the first standardized temperature scale and reliable mercury thermometer. His scale was based on three fixed points:
- • 0°F: Temperature of an ice-salt mixture
- • 32°F: Freezing point of water
- • 96°F: Approximate human body temperature (later adjusted to 98.6°F)
1742 - Celsius Scale
Anders Celsius introduced a centigrade scale that was simpler and more logical. Initially, his scale was reversed from today's version:
- • Original scale: 0°C (boiling) to 100°C (freezing)
- • 1744: Carl Linnaeus reversed the scale to modern form
- • 1948: Officially renamed from "centigrade" to "Celsius"
1848 - Kelvin Scale
Lord Kelvin (William Thomson) established the concept of absolute zero and created a scale starting at the lowest possible temperature:
- • Based on theoretical absolute zero (-273.15°C)
- • No negative temperatures possible
- • Used primarily in scientific work
- • Same size units as Celsius scale
Modern Developments
International Temperature Scale (ITS)
The development of standardized temperature measurements:
- • 1927: First International Temperature Scale
- • 1990: ITS-90 established current standards
- • Based on fixed points and interpolation methods
Digital Revolution
Modern temperature measurement technology:
- • Electronic thermometers
- • Infrared temperature sensors
- • Wireless temperature monitoring
- • Smartphone-integrated thermometers
Key Dates in Temperature Measurement
1592
Galileo invents the thermoscope
1714
First mercury thermometer by Fahrenheit
1742
Celsius proposes his temperature scale
1848
Lord Kelvin establishes absolute temperature scale
1990
International Temperature Scale of 1990 (ITS-90) adopted
Legacy and Modern Impact
Scientific Impact
- • Foundation for thermodynamics
- • Essential in chemistry and physics
- • Critical for climate science
- • Basis for materials research
Practical Applications
- • Medical diagnostics
- • Industrial processes
- • Weather forecasting
- • Food safety
FAQ
Temperature Conversions
How do I convert Celsius to Fahrenheit?
To convert Celsius to Fahrenheit, use the formula: °F = (°C × 9/5) + 32
- • Multiply the Celsius temperature by 9/5 (or 1.8)
- • Add 32 to the result
- • Example: 20°C = (20 × 9/5) + 32 = 68°F
- • Quick estimate: Double the Celsius value and add 30
How do I convert Fahrenheit to Celsius?
To convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, use the formula: °C = (°F - 32) × 5/9
- • Subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit temperature
- • Multiply the result by 5/9 (or 0.556)
- • Example: 68°F = (68 - 32) × 5/9 = 20°C
- • Quick estimate: Subtract 30 and divide by 2
How do I convert Celsius to Kelvin?
To convert Celsius to Kelvin, use the formula: K = °C + 273.15
- • Simply add 273.15 to the Celsius temperature
- • Example: 0°C = 0 + 273.15 = 273.15K
- • This is an exact conversion
- • Water freezes at 273.15K (0°C)
How do I convert Kelvin to Celsius?
To convert Kelvin to Celsius, use the formula: °C = K - 273.15
- • Subtract 273.15 from the Kelvin temperature
- • Example: 300K = 300 - 273.15 = 26.85°C
- • This is an exact conversion
- • Room temperature is about 293.15K (20°C)
How do I convert Fahrenheit to Kelvin?
To convert Fahrenheit to Kelvin, use the formula: K = (°F - 32) × 5/9 + 273.15
- • First subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit temperature
- • Multiply the result by 5/9
- • Add 273.15 to get Kelvin
- • Example: 68°F = (68 - 32) × 5/9 + 273.15 = 293.15K
How do I convert Kelvin to Fahrenheit?
To convert Kelvin to Fahrenheit, use the formula: °F = (K - 273.15) × 9/5 + 32
- • First subtract 273.15 from the Kelvin temperature
- • Multiply the result by 9/5
- • Add 32 to get Fahrenheit
- • Example: 300K = (300 - 273.15) × 9/5 + 32 = 80.33°F
Quick References
Are there any easy-to-remember conversion points?
Yes, there are several temperature points that are useful for quick conversions:
- • -40°C equals -40°F (the point where scales intersect)
- • 0°C = 32°F (water freezing point)
- • 100°C = 212°F (water boiling point)
- • 20°C ≈ 68°F (room temperature)
Which temperature scale should I use?
The choice of temperature scale depends on your specific needs:
- • Celsius: Most commonly used worldwide for everyday measurements
- • Fahrenheit: Used in the US for weather and body temperature
- • Kelvin: Used in scientific research and absolute temperature measurements
- • Industrial applications may require multiple scales
What are some common temperature benchmarks?
Here are some useful temperature reference points:
- • Human body temperature: 37°C (98.6°F)
- • Room temperature: 20-22°C (68-72°F)
- • Refrigerator: 4°C (39°F)
- • Freezer: -18°C (0°F)
- • Boiling water: 100°C (212°F)
Scientific Concepts
Why do we have different temperature scales?
Different temperature scales were developed for different purposes:
- • Celsius (°C): Based on water's freezing and boiling points, used globally for daily life and science
- • Fahrenheit (°F): Originally designed for weather measurements, primarily used in the US
- • Kelvin (K): Used for scientific calculations, starting from absolute zero
- • Each scale has its specific applications and advantages
What is absolute zero?
Absolute zero (0K or -273.15°C) is the lowest possible temperature theoretically attainable, where all molecular motion stops.
- • It's the baseline for the Kelvin scale
- • Equals -273.15°C or -459.67°F
- • At this temperature, matter has the lowest possible energy
- • According to the Third Law of Thermodynamics, it cannot be reached
What's the difference between heat and temperature?
Temperature measures the average kinetic energy of particles in a substance, while heat is the total thermal energy transferred between objects.
- • Temperature is an intensive property, independent of size
- • Heat is an extensive property, proportional to mass
- • Larger objects at the same temperature contain more heat
- • Heat always transfers from higher to lower temperatures
Why is the Kelvin scale important in science?
The Kelvin scale is crucial for scientific work for several reasons:
- • It has no negative values, starting at absolute zero
- • It's directly proportional to molecular energy
- • Used in many physical laws and equations
- • Standard unit in the International System (SI)
Practical Applications
What is the normal range for body temperature?
Normal body temperature varies depending on measurement location:
- • Oral measurement: 36.5°C - 37.5°C (97.7°F - 99.5°F)
- • Axillary temperature: About 0.5°C lower than oral
- • Rectal temperature: About 0.5°C higher than oral
- • Temperature varies with time and body condition
What are safe cooking temperatures?
Different foods require different safe minimum internal temperatures:
- • Poultry: 74°C (165°F)
- • Ground meats: 71°C (160°F)
- • Fresh beef, pork, lamb: 63°C (145°F)
- • Fish: 63°C (145°F)
What are ideal storage temperatures?
Different items require different storage temperatures for optimal preservation:
- • Freezer: -18°C (0°F) or below
- • Refrigerator: 4°C (40°F) or below
- • Wine storage: 10-15°C (50-59°F)
- • Room temperature storage: 20-22°C (68-72°F)
What temperatures are dangerous for humans?
Extreme temperatures can be dangerous for human health:
- • Hypothermia risk: Below 35°C (95°F) body temperature
- • High fever: Above 39.4°C (103°F)
- • Heat exhaustion: 37-40°C (98.6-104°F) body temperature
- • Heat stroke: Above 40°C (104°F) body temperature
Common Issues
Why do my conversion results vary slightly?
Small variations in conversion results can occur due to several factors:
- • Rounding differences between calculators
- • Number of decimal places used
- • Different conversion formulas (exact vs. approximate)
- • Calculator precision settings
What's the most accurate way to convert temperatures?
For maximum accuracy in temperature conversion:
- • Use exact formulas rather than approximations
- • Maintain significant figures throughout calculations
- • Use a reliable calculator or conversion tool
- • Double-check results with reverse conversion
Common Temperature References
Common Celsius Temperatures
- Water Freezing 0°C
- Room Temperature 20°C
- Body Temperature 37°C
- Water Boiling 100°C
Common Fahrenheit Temperatures
- Water Freezing 32°F
- Room Temperature 68°F
- Body Temperature 98.6°F
- Water Boiling 212°F
Common Kelvin Temperatures
- Absolute Zero 0K
- Water Freezing 273.15K
- Room Temperature 293.15K
- Water Boiling 373.15K