Temperature Conversion - Convert Celsius, Fahrenheit, Kelvin, and More
Temperature Converter
Convert temperature measurements between different units quickly and accurately
Convert Temperature
Popular Temperature Conversions
Quickly convert between the most commonly used temperature units.
Understanding Temperature Measurements
Temperature conversions are essential for various applications, from weather forecasting and cooking to scientific research and everyday measurements. Understanding temperature conversions ensures accurate and consistent results across different measurement systems.
Common Temperature Units
Metric Units
- Celsius (°C)
- Kelvin (K)
Imperial Units
- Fahrenheit (°F)
Common Applications
| Field | Measurement Types | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Weather | Celsius, Fahrenheit | Weather forecasts, climate studies |
| Cooking | Celsius, Fahrenheit | Recipe temperatures, food safety |
| Science | Celsius, Kelvin | Laboratory experiments, research |
| Everyday Use | Celsius, Fahrenheit | Room temperature, body temperature |
Conversion Tips
- Use a thermometer for precise temperature measurements
- For quick estimates: 0°C = 32°F, 100°C = 212°F
- Kelvin is used in scientific contexts, starting from absolute zero
- Remember that 0°C is the freezing point of water, and 100°C is the boiling point
- For body temperature, 37°C is approximately 98.6°F
Temperature Conversions
| Conversion | Formula/Rule | Quick Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Celsius to Fahrenheit | °F = (°C × 9/5) + 32 | Multiply °C by 9/5, then add 32 |
| Fahrenheit to Celsius | °C = (°F - 32) × 5/9 | Subtract 32 from °F, then multiply by 5/9 |
| Celsius to Kelvin | K = °C + 273.15 | Add 273.15 to °C |
| Kelvin to Celsius | °C = K - 273.15 | Subtract 273.15 from K |
| Fahrenheit to Kelvin | K = (°F - 32) × 5/9 + 273.15 | Convert °F to °C, then add 273.15 |
| Kelvin to Fahrenheit | °F = (K - 273.15) × 9/5 + 32 | Convert K to °C, then to °F |
Our temperature conversion tool provides accurate conversions between all major temperature units, making it easy to switch between different systems. Whether you're checking the weather, cooking, or conducting scientific research, our converter ensures precise temperature conversions for any application.
Temperature Conversion Questions
Everything you need to know about temperature measurements and conversions
Why are there different temperature scales?
Different temperature scales were developed for different purposes. Celsius (°C) is based on water's freezing (0°C) and boiling points (100°C). Fahrenheit (°F) was designed for everyday weather with 0°F representing very cold and 100°F representing hot weather. Kelvin (K) is the scientific standard, starting at absolute zero (-273.15°C).
What is absolute zero and why is it important?
Absolute zero is the theoretical temperature where all molecular motion stops, equal to 0 Kelvin (-273.15°C or -459.67°F). It's the lowest possible temperature in the universe and serves as the foundation for the Kelvin scale, making it essential for scientific calculations.
How do I quickly convert between Celsius and Fahrenheit?
For exact conversion: °F = (°C × 9/5) + 32, and °C = (°F - 32) × 5/9. For quick estimates: to go from °C to °F, double it and add 30. For common temperatures: 0°C = 32°F, 20°C = 68°F, 37°C = 98.6°F (body temperature), 100°C = 212°F.
When would I use Kelvin instead of Celsius?
Kelvin is used in scientific contexts because it's an absolute scale starting from absolute zero. It's essential for gas law calculations, thermodynamics, astronomy, and any scientific work involving temperature ratios. One degree change in Kelvin equals one degree change in Celsius.
What is Rankine and who uses it?
Rankine is the absolute temperature scale based on Fahrenheit degrees, with 0°R at absolute zero (-459.67°F). It's primarily used in engineering applications in the United States, particularly in thermodynamics and HVAC calculations where absolute temperature is needed but Fahrenheit is preferred.
Why does water boil at different temperatures?
Water's boiling point changes with atmospheric pressure. At sea level (1 atmosphere), water boils at 100°C (212°F). At higher altitudes, lower pressure means water boils at lower temperatures. For example, at 2,000 meters elevation, water boils at about 93°C (199°F).
How accurate are infrared thermometers?
Infrared thermometers are typically accurate to ±1-2°C for surface temperatures, but they measure radiated heat, not air temperature. They work best on non-reflective surfaces and can be affected by humidity, dust, and the emissivity of the surface being measured. For body temperature, ear or forehead models are calibrated specifically for human skin.
What's the difference between heat and temperature?
Temperature measures the average kinetic energy of molecules in a substance, while heat is the total thermal energy transferred between objects. A small hot spark has high temperature but low heat content, while a large warm swimming pool has moderate temperature but high heat content.
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