Temperature Converter Calculator

Free online temperature converter supporting Celsius (°C), Fahrenheit (°F), Kelvin (K), and Rankine (°R). Instant bidirectional conversion with formulas displayed. Essential for cooking, weather, scientific experiments, HVAC calculations, and international temperature comparisons. Includes common reference points like freezing and boiling points.

32
Fahrenheit (°F)
Input Value
0°C (Celsius)
Fahrenheit is commonly used in the United States. Water freezes at 32°F and boils at 212°F.

Understanding Temperature Scales

Celsius, Fahrenheit, Kelvin, and other scale origins

Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of particles in a substance. Different scales have been developed throughout history to measure temperature, each with its own reference points and applications.

Celsius (°C)

The most widely used temperature scale worldwide. Based on water's freezing point (0°C) and boiling point (100°C) at sea level.

Fahrenheit (°F)

Commonly used in the United States. Water freezes at 32°F and boils at 212°F. Originally based on a brine solution's freezing point.

Kelvin (K)

The SI unit of temperature. Absolute zero (0K = -273.15°C) is the lowest possible temperature. Used extensively in science and engineering.

Rankine & Réaumur

Rankine is an absolute scale using Fahrenheit degrees, used in some US engineering. Réaumur is a historical scale where water boils at 80°.

Quick Conversion Formulas

Common formulas for converting between temperature scales

°F = (°C × 9/5) + 32
°C = (°F - 32) × 5/9
K = °C + 273.15
°C = K - 273.15
°R = (°C + 273.15) × 9/5
°Ré = °C × 4/5

Common Reference Temperatures

Key benchmarks from absolute zero to boiling water

Reference Point°C°FK
Absolute Zero
Lowest possible temperature
-273.15°C-459.67°F0K
Water Freezes
Freezing point of water at 1 atm
0°C32°F273.15K
Room Temperature
Typical comfortable indoor temperature
25°C77°F298.15K
Body Temperature
Normal human body temperature
37°C98.6°F310.15K
Water Boils
Boiling point of water at 1 atm
100°C212°F373.15K

Practical Temperature Guide

Everyday temperature ranges for food, health, and comfort

Food Safety

Keep cold foods below 5°C (41°F) and hot foods above 60°C (140°F) to prevent bacterial growth.

Indoor Comfort

The World Health Organization suggests a minimum of 18°C (64°F) for healthy people in winter.

Body Temperature

Normal human body temperature is approximately 37°C (98.6°F). A fever is typically defined as above 38°C (100.4°F).

Water States

Pure water freezes at 0°C (32°F) and boils at 100°C (212°F) at standard atmospheric pressure.

Global Temperature Extremes

Record highs and lows measured on Earth

The Earth experiences a wide range of temperatures, from the intense heat of deserts to the extreme cold of the polar regions.

-89.2°C
Coldest Recorded (Antarctica)
15°C
Average Global Temperature
56.7°C
Hottest Recorded (Death Valley)

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about temperature conversions between scales