Temperature Calculator
Convert between Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin temperature scales
Conversion Results
Input Temperature
Converted Temperature
Conversion Formula
Common Temperature Conversions
What is Temperature Calculator?
Temperature calculator uses conversion process , the process of transforming temperature values from one scale to another. The three most common temperature scales are Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin. Each scale has its own reference points and applications in different parts of the world and scientific fields.
Celsius is used in most countries worldwide and in scientific contexts. Fahrenheit is primarily used in the United States for everyday applications. Kelvin is the standard unit of temperature in the physical sciences and represents absolute temperature where zero is the point where particles have minimal thermal motion.
Why Use a Temperature Calculator?
International Communication
Understand temperature readings from different countries using different measurement systems
Scientific Applications
Convert between Celsius and Kelvin for scientific calculations and experiments
Cooking & Baking
Follow recipes that use different temperature scales for oven settings
Weather Understanding
Interpret weather forecasts and climate data in your preferred temperature scale
Temperature Scales Explained
Each temperature scale has its unique characteristics and historical background:
- Celsius (°C): Developed by Anders Celsius in 1742. Based on water’s freezing (0°C) and boiling points (100°C) at sea level.
- Fahrenheit (°F): Created by Daniel Fahrenheit in 1724. Originally based on a brine solution’s freezing point and human body temperature.
- Kelvin (K): Named after William Thomson, 1st Baron Kelvin. An absolute scale where 0K represents absolute zero (-273.15°C).
How to Use Our Temperature Converter
Enter Temperature Value
Input the numerical temperature value you want to convert
Select Source Scale
Choose the temperature scale of your input value (Celsius, Fahrenheit, or Kelvin)
Select Target Scale
Choose the temperature scale you want to convert to
Convert
Click the convert button to see the converted temperature value
Conversion Formulas
Our converter uses standard mathematical formulas to convert between temperature scales:
Celsius to Fahrenheit
To convert Celsius to Fahrenheit: °F = (°C × 9/5) + 32
Fahrenheit to Celsius
To convert Fahrenheit to Celsius: °C = (°F – 32) × 5/9
Celsius to Kelvin
To convert Celsius to Kelvin: K = °C + 273.15
Kelvin to Celsius
To convert Kelvin to Celsius: °C = K – 273.15
Fahrenheit to Kelvin
To convert Fahrenheit to Kelvin: K = (°F – 32) × 5/9 + 273.15
Kelvin to Fahrenheit
To convert Kelvin to Fahrenheit: °F = (K – 273.15) × 9/5 + 32
Frequently Asked Questions
Different temperature scales were developed at different times in history and in different regions. Fahrenheit was created earlier and became established in English-speaking countries. Celsius was developed later with a more logical basis (water’s freezing and boiling points) and became popular worldwide. Kelvin was developed for scientific purposes where an absolute scale is necessary.
All temperature scales are equally accurate as they are just different ways of measuring the same physical property. The choice of scale depends on the context: Celsius for everyday use in most countries, Fahrenheit for everyday use in the United States, and Kelvin for scientific applications where absolute temperature is important.
The United States continues to use Fahrenheit primarily due to tradition and the cost of changing established infrastructure. While most countries switched to Celsius during the metrication process in the mid-20th century, the US maintained its customary units, including Fahrenheit for temperature measurement.
Absolute zero is the theoretical lowest possible temperature, at which particles have minimal thermal motion. It is defined as 0 Kelvin, which equals -273.15°C or -459.67°F. While scientists have come very close, absolute zero has never been actually reached as it represents a complete absence of thermal energy.
Negative temperatures convert using the same formulas as positive temperatures. For example, -10°C converts to 14°F (not -14°F). The formula handles the sign correctly: °F = (-10 × 9/5) + 32 = (-18) + 32 = 14°F. Our calculator automatically handles negative values correctly.