Temperature Converter
Temperature Converter
Common Conversions
Related Tools
Understanding Temperature Scales
Temperature is a measure of thermal energy or heat intensity. Different temperature scales have been developed throughout history for various scientific and practical purposes. The most common scales today are Celsius (°C), Fahrenheit (°F), and Kelvin (K).
The Celsius scale, used in most countries worldwide, sets water's freezing point at 0°C and boiling point at 100°C. The Fahrenheit scale, primarily used in the United States, sets these points at 32°F and 212°F respectively. The Kelvin scale, used in scientific contexts, starts at absolute zero (-273.15°C).
Understanding temperature conversions is essential for international communication, scientific research, cooking, weather forecasting, and many other applications where precise temperature measurements are crucial.
Temperature Scale Comparison
Celsius (°C)
The metric temperature scale used worldwide. Based on water's freezing and boiling points at standard atmospheric pressure.
Fahrenheit (°F)
Primarily used in the United States. Based on a scale where the freezing point of brine was originally set to 0°F.
Kelvin (K)
The absolute temperature scale used in scientific contexts. Starts at absolute zero, the theoretical point where molecular motion stops.
Common Use Cases
Weather and Climate
Weather forecasts use different temperature scales depending on the region. Understanding conversions helps interpret international weather reports and climate data for travel and research purposes.
Cooking and Baking
Recipes from different countries may use different temperature scales. Converting between Celsius and Fahrenheit is essential for accurate cooking and baking results.
Scientific Research
Scientific papers and research often use Kelvin or Celsius. Converting between scales is necessary for understanding and comparing research results across different studies and countries.
Medical and Health
Body temperature measurements may be recorded in different scales. Healthcare professionals need to convert between Celsius and Fahrenheit for patient care and medical records.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert Celsius to Fahrenheit?
To convert Celsius to Fahrenheit, multiply by 9/5 (or 1.8) and add 32. The formula is: °F = (°C × 9/5) + 32. For example, 20°C = (20 × 9/5) + 32 = 68°F.
How do I convert Fahrenheit to Celsius?
To convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, subtract 32 and multiply by 5/9. The formula is: °C = (°F - 32) × 5/9. For example, 68°F = (68 - 32) × 5/9 = 20°C.
What is absolute zero?
Absolute zero is the theoretical temperature at which molecular motion stops completely. It equals -273.15°C, -459.67°F, or 0 K. It's the starting point of the Kelvin scale and represents the lowest possible temperature.
Why are there different temperature scales?
Different temperature scales were developed for various practical and scientific purposes. Celsius is based on water's properties, Fahrenheit was designed for better resolution in everyday temperatures, and Kelvin provides an absolute scale for scientific calculations.
Which temperature scale is most commonly used?
Celsius is used by most countries worldwide for everyday temperature measurements. Fahrenheit is primarily used in the United States. Kelvin is the standard for scientific research and is used internationally in scientific contexts.