Temperature Converter
Convert temperatures between Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin instantly
Enter a temperature value to see conversions
Quick Examples
What is Temperature Conversion?
Temperature conversion is the process of converting a temperature value from one scale to another. The three most commonly used temperature scales are Celsius (°C), Fahrenheit (°F), and Kelvin (K). Each scale has different reference points and is used in different contexts around the world.
Understanding how to convert between these scales is essential for scientific work, international communication, cooking, weather forecasting, and many other applications where temperature measurements are important.
Temperature Scales Explained
Celsius (°C)
The Celsius scale, also known as centigrade, is based on the freezing point (0°C) and boiling point (100°C) of water at standard atmospheric pressure. It's the most widely used temperature scale globally and is the standard in most countries and scientific contexts.
Fahrenheit (°F)
The Fahrenheit scale is primarily used in the United States and a few other countries. Water freezes at 32°F and boils at 212°F. This scale was designed to avoid negative numbers in everyday weather temperatures in temperate climates.
Kelvin (K)
Kelvin is the SI base unit of temperature and is used extensively in scientific applications. It starts at absolute zero (0 K), the theoretical lowest possible temperature. The Kelvin scale uses the same degree size as Celsius but shifted by 273.15 degrees.
Common Temperature Reference Points
| Reference Point | Celsius (°C) | Fahrenheit (°F) | Kelvin (K) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Absolute Zero | -273.15 | -459.67 | 0 |
| Water Freezing Point | 0 | 32 | 273.15 |
| Room Temperature | 20-25 | 68-77 | 293-298 |
| Human Body Temperature | 37 | 98.6 | 310.15 |
| Water Boiling Point | 100 | 212 | 373.15 |
When to Use Each Temperature Scale
Celsius
Daily weather, cooking in most countries, scientific work in chemistry and biology, international communication
Fahrenheit
Weather forecasts in the US, cooking recipes in American cookbooks, HVAC systems in North America
Kelvin
Scientific research in physics, astronomy, thermodynamics, gas law calculations, absolute temperature measurements
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the US use Fahrenheit instead of Celsius?
The United States adopted the Fahrenheit scale before the metric system became widespread. While most countries switched to Celsius as part of metrication, the US maintained Fahrenheit for everyday use due to tradition and the cost of changing infrastructure.
What is absolute zero?
Absolute zero (0 K, -273.15°C, -459.67°F) is the theoretical lowest possible temperature where all molecular motion ceases. It serves as the zero point for the Kelvin scale and represents a state where matter has minimal thermal energy.
Can I use negative numbers in Kelvin?
No, the Kelvin scale starts at absolute zero (0 K), which is the lowest possible temperature. There are no negative values in Kelvin because you cannot go below absolute zero in classical physics.
Is this tool accurate for scientific calculations?
Yes! This tool uses precise conversion formulas and displays results to two decimal places. All calculations are performed client-side using standard mathematical formulas, making it suitable for both everyday use and scientific applications.