Convert between Celsius (°C), Fahrenheit (°F), and Kelvin (K) with instant results. Ideal for meteorology, engineering, science, travel, and education. Supports real-time bidirectional conversion with high precision.
Supported Units & Relationships
| Unit |
Full Name |
Description |
Conversion Formula |
| °C |
Degree Celsius |
The most widely used scale; water freezes at 0°C and boils at 100°C. |
- |
| °F |
Degree Fahrenheit |
Used primarily in the United States; water freezes at 32°F and boils at 212°F. |
°F = (9/5) × °C + 32 |
| K |
Kelvin |
Absolute temperature scale; 0 K is absolute zero (-273.15°C); used in physics and chemistry. |
K = °C + 273.15 |
Key Conversion Formulas
- °F = (9/5) × °C + 32
- °C = (°F - 32) × 5/9
- K = °C + 273.15
- °C = K - 273.15
- °F = (9/5) × (K - 273.15) + 32
Example Calculations
Example 1: Human Body Temperature
Normal body temperature is 37°C.
- °F: (9/5) × 37 + 32 = 98.6°F
- K: 37 + 273.15 = 310.15 K
Example 2: Convert 98.6°F to °C and K
98.6°F is a typical body temperature.
- °C: (98.6 - 32) × 5/9 = 37°C
- K: 37 + 273.15 = 310.15 K
Example 3: Absolute Zero
0 K is absolute zero.
- °C: 0 - 273.15 = -273.15°C
- °F: (9/5) × (-273.15) + 32 ≈ -459.67°F
Example 4: Water Freezing Point
Water freezes at 0°C.
- °F: (9/5) × 0 + 32 = 32°F
- K: 0 + 273.15 = 273.15 K
Example 5: The Only Temperature Where °C = °F
At -40 degrees:
- -40°C = -40°F — this is the only point where both scales read the same value.
Use Cases
- Meteorological data interpretation — comparing weather reports from different countries
- Engineering design and material testing — ensuring components operate within safe temperature ranges
- Chemical reaction temperature control — precise lab conditions require Kelvin or Celsius
- Physics experiments and academic research — absolute temperature (Kelvin) is essential for thermodynamics
- Travel and cross-cultural communication — understanding weather forecasts in the US vs. Europe
- Teaching and student learning — helping students grasp unit conversion and scientific scales
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert Celsius to Fahrenheit?
Use the formula: °F = (9/5) × °C + 32
Example: 20°C → (9/5) × 20 + 32 = 68°F
What is the difference between Celsius and Kelvin?
The Kelvin scale is an absolute temperature scale where 0 K is absolute zero (-273.15°C).
To convert: K = °C + 273.15
So, 0°C = 273.15 K, and room temperature (~20°C) = 293.15 K.
Why does the US use Fahrenheit instead of Celsius?
Fahrenheit was developed earlier and became standardized in the US.
It has finer increments (e.g., 32°F vs. 0°C), making it easier to distinguish small changes in everyday temperatures.
However, most of the world uses Celsius due to its simplicity and alignment with the metric system.
Can I convert directly from Fahrenheit to Kelvin?
Yes! Use the formula: K = (°F - 32) × 5/9 + 273.15
Or step-by-step: first convert °F to °C, then add 273.15.
Is there a quick way to estimate Celsius to Fahrenheit?
Yes! A rough estimate: multiply °C by 2 and add 30.
Example: 20°C → 20×2 + 30 = 70°F (actual: 68°F)
This works well for weather temperatures but not for precision work.
What is absolute zero in Fahrenheit?
Absolute zero is 0 K = -273.15°C.
Convert to Fahrenheit: (9/5) × (-273.15) + 32 ≈ -459.67°F
This is the lowest possible temperature, where all molecular motion stops.
Reference Standards
- ISO 80000-5: Quantities and units — Part 5: Thermodynamics
- IEC 60050: International Electrotechnical Vocabulary
- NIST Special Publication 811: Guide for the Use of the International System of Units (SI)
- Textbooks: "Thermodynamics" by Cengel & Boles, "University Physics" by Young & Freedman