Temperature Converter
Switch between Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin for cooking or science. Get precise results with our accurate conversion formulas and reference charts.
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How to Convert Temperature?
To convert temperature between different units, use the appropriate conversion formula. For example, to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit, multiply by 9/5 and add 32. To convert Celsius to Kelvin, add 273.15.
Temperature Conversion Principles
1. Celsius (°C)
The Celsius scale is based on the freezing (0°C) and boiling (100°C) points of water at standard atmospheric pressure.
2. Fahrenheit (°F)
The Fahrenheit scale sets the freezing point of water at 32°F and the boiling point at 212°F.
3. Kelvin (K)
The Kelvin scale is an absolute temperature scale starting at absolute zero (0 K). 0°C = 273.15 K.
4. Rankine (°R)
The Rankine scale is used mainly in engineering fields in the US. 0°R = 0 K.
5. Conversion Formulas
- Celsius to Fahrenheit: (°C × 9/5) + 32 = °F
- Fahrenheit to Celsius: (°F − 32) × 5/9 = °C
- Celsius to Kelvin: °C + 273.15 = K
- Kelvin to Celsius: K − 273.15 = °C
- Fahrenheit to Kelvin: (°F − 32) × 5/9 + 273.15 = K
- Kelvin to Fahrenheit: (K − 273.15) × 9/5 + 32 = °F
- Celsius to Rankine: (°C + 273.15) × 9/5 = °R
- Rankine to Celsius: (°R − 491.67) × 5/9 = °C
Common Temperature Units
Celsius (°C)
Used worldwide for most temperature measurements.
Fahrenheit (°F)
Used mainly in the United States.
Kelvin (K)
Used in science and engineering.
Rankine (°R)
Used in some engineering fields.
Real-World Usage Scenarios
- Scientific Laboratory Research - Kelvin and Celsius - Researchers in cryogenics and physics often need to bridge the gap between absolute thermodynamic scales and practical measurements. This tool allows for precise conversion from Kelvin (K) to Celsius (°C) when documenting boiling points or chemical reaction thresholds under extreme conditions.
- Aviation and Global Meteorology - Fahrenheit to Celsius - Pilots and meteorologists frequently encounter mixed data formats, such as METAR reports in Celsius while operating aircraft systems calibrated in Fahrenheit. Converting these values ensures accurate density altitude calculations and engine performance monitoring across different international standards.
- Mechanical Engineering - Rankine Scale - In the United States, mechanical engineers working with thermodynamic systems and heat engines often utilize the Rankine scale. Converting between Rankine (°R) and Fahrenheit (°F) or Kelvin (K) is essential for calculating thermal efficiency and entropy in power cycle analysis.
- Niche Culinary and Historic Data - Réaumur - While largely obsolete, the Réaumur scale is still referenced in specific European culinary traditions, such as traditional cheese making in France and Switzerland, or when analyzing historical climate records from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the relationship between Kelvin and Rankine?
Both are absolute temperature scales starting at zero. The difference lies in the increment: one Kelvin degree is equal to 1.8 Rankine degrees. This mimics the relationship between Celsius and Fahrenheit.
Is the Réaumur scale still used in modern industry?
The Réaumur scale is rarely used today, having been replaced by Celsius. However, it maintains a legacy in specific high-end Italian and French cheese production (like Parmigiano-Reggiano) and some traditional brewing processes.
How do I convert Fahrenheit to Kelvin for thermodynamic calculations?
To convert Fahrenheit to Kelvin, first subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit value, multiply by 5/9 to get Celsius, and then add 273.15.
Why does absolute zero occur at -273.15°C?
Absolute zero is the point where all molecular motion ceases. On the Celsius scale, which is based on the properties of water, this state occurs at exactly -273.15 degrees.
