Temperature Converter
Convert between Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin instantly. Accurate temperature conversion tool.
Enter a temperature and select the unit to see conversions to all other scales.
Use °F = (°C × 9/5) + 32, °C = (°F - 32) × 5/9, and K = °C + 273.15. Kelvin values should never go below 0 K.
°F (Fahrenheit)
212.00 °F
K (Kelvin)
373.15 K
The Formulas (in Plain English)
Three temperature scales matter in everyday life. Celsius is what most of the world uses. Fahrenheit is used for weather, ovens, and body temperature in the US. Kelvin is the absolute scale used in science and engineering. Here's how they connect:
°F = (°C × 9/5) + 32
Celsius to Fahrenheit
°C = (°F - 32) × 5/9
Fahrenheit to Celsius
K = °C + 273.15
Celsius to Kelvin
Mental maths shortcut: To get a rough Fahrenheit from Celsius, double the number and add 30. So 20°C ≈ 70°F (actual: 68°F). Close enough for weather chat.
Worked Formula Examples
Celsius to Fahrenheit
25°C × 9/5 + 32 = 77°F
Useful for weather and room temperature.
Fahrenheit to Celsius
(68°F - 32) × 5/9 = 20°C
Subtract 32 before multiplying.
Celsius to Kelvin
20°C + 273.15 = 293.15 K
Kelvin uses no degree symbol.
The Fahrenheit conversion has both a scale change and an offset. The Kelvin conversion has no scale change from Celsius, only the 273.15 offset.
Celsius and Kelvin Reference Table
Celsius is the everyday metric temperature scale. Kelvin is the absolute scientific scale. A change of 1°C is the same size as a change of 1 K.
| Point | Celsius | Kelvin | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Absolute zero | -273.15°C | 0 K | Lowest thermodynamic temperature |
| Water freezes | 0°C | 273.15 K | At standard pressure |
| Room temperature | 20 to 22°C | 293.15 to 295.15 K | Common indoor range |
| Water boils | 100°C | 373.15 K | At sea level standard pressure |
Fahrenheit Reference Table
Fahrenheit remains common for US weather reports, domestic ovens, and many household thermometers. These anchor points make quick interpretation easier.
| Fahrenheit | Celsius | Typical meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 32°F | 0°C | Water freezes |
| 68°F | 20°C | Cool room temperature |
| 77°F | 25°C | Warm room or lab reference temperature |
| 98.6°F | 37°C | Traditional body-temperature reference point |
| 212°F | 100°C | Water boils at sea level standard pressure |
Temperature Cheat Sheet
Bookmark this, it covers the conversions people look up most:
| Context | °C | °F | K |
|---|---|---|---|
| Absolute zero | -273.15 | -459.67 | 0 |
| Water freezes | 0 | 32 | 273.15 |
| Fridge temperature | 3-5 | 37-41 | 276-278 |
| Room temperature | 20-22 | 68-72 | 293-295 |
| Body temperature | 37 | 98.6 | 310.15 |
| Fever threshold | 38 | 100.4 | 311.15 |
| Moderate oven | 180 | 356 | 453.15 |
| Hot oven | 220 | 428 | 493.15 |
| Water boils | 100 | 212 | 373.15 |
| C and F are equal | -40 | -40 | 233.15 |
Why Three Different Scales Exist
Fahrenheit (1724): Daniel Fahrenheit set 0° at the coldest temperature he could reliably create with a brine solution and 96° near human body temperature. The scale remained in use in several English-speaking countries before metrication and is still widely used in the US.
Celsius (1742): Anders Celsius designed a 0 to 100 scale anchored to water's freezing and boiling points. It is now used by most of the world. Originally his scale was inverted, with 100 for freezing and 0 for boiling, then Linnaeus flipped it a year later.
Kelvin (1848): Lord Kelvin started at absolute zero, the point where thermal motion reaches its lower bound. It uses the same increment size as Celsius, just shifted by 273.15. Scientists use it because absolute temperature avoids many negative-temperature problems in ordinary equations.
Common Conversion Scenarios
Following a US recipe
American recipes use Fahrenheit. 350°F = 177°C (round to 180°C). 400°F = 204°C (round to 200°C). 425°F = 218°C (round to 220°C). For precise oven temperatures including Gas Mark, try our Oven Temperature Converter.
Reading US weather forecasts
US weather is in Fahrenheit. Quick guide: 50°F = 10°C (jacket weather), 70°F = 21°C (comfortable), 85°F = 29°C (warm), 100°F = 38°C (dangerously hot). If the forecast says "feels like 105°F", that's 40.5°C, stay inside.
Checking for a fever
Many health services use 38°C / 100.4°F as a fever threshold for adults. If a thermometer shows Fahrenheit and you think in Celsius, convert the reading before comparing it with the guidance from your local health service.
Science homework or lab work
Lab reports typically use Kelvin or Celsius. Room temperature is 293-295K (20-22°C). Standard temperature and pressure (STP) is 273.15K (0°C). Remember: you can't have negative Kelvin in classical thermodynamics.
Common Temperature Conversion Mistakes
Forgetting the 32-degree offset
Fahrenheit is not just Celsius multiplied by a ratio. Always add 32 when going from Celsius to Fahrenheit, and subtract 32 first when going back.
Using a degree sign with Kelvin
Write 293.15 K, not 293.15°K. Kelvin is the unit name and does not use the degree symbol.
Allowing negative Kelvin
Ordinary thermodynamic Kelvin values cannot go below 0 K. If a calculation returns negative Kelvin, the input or formula is wrong for this context.
Rounding oven conversions too tightly
Domestic ovens often step in 5°C, 10°C, 25°F, or gas-mark increments. Round to the setting your appliance can actually hold.
Ignoring altitude for boiling water
100°C / 212°F is the boiling point at sea level standard pressure. At higher altitude, water boils at a lower temperature.
Mixing air, oven, and internal temperatures
A weather forecast, oven setting, and internal food temperature may all use the same scale but measure different things. Keep the context attached to the number.
Related Tools
Oven Temperature Converter
Convert with Gas Mark and fan oven
Length Converter
Convert between metric and imperial
Weight Converter
Convert kg, lbs, stone, and more
BMI Calculator
Calculate your body mass index
Time Zone Converter
Convert times across the globe
Scientific Calculator
Scientific maths calculations
How to use this tool
Enter a temperature value in the input field
Select the source unit (°C, °F, or K)
View instant conversions to all other temperature scales
Common uses
- Converting weather forecasts between Celsius and Fahrenheit
- Setting oven temperatures for international recipes
- Converting scientific measurements to Kelvin
- Understanding body temperature readings in different units
- Checking lab, appliance, and travel temperatures across regions
Share this tool
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert Celsius to Fahrenheit?
How do I convert Fahrenheit to Celsius?
What is absolute zero?
When should I use Kelvin?
What temperature is the same in Celsius and Fahrenheit?
What is normal body temperature?
What oven temperature is 180°C in Fahrenheit?
What is room temperature in Celsius?
Why does the US use Fahrenheit?
What is water's boiling point at altitude?
How do I convert Kelvin to Celsius?
What is the Rankine scale?
Results are for general informational purposes only and should be checked before use. They are not professional advice. See our Disclaimer and Terms of Service.