Temperature Converter
The Temperature Converter converts between Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin. It is useful for cooking, weather, science, and international travel where different temperature scales are used.
Temperature Converter
What the result means
The three temperature scales use different reference points. Celsius is based on water's freezing (0°C) and boiling (100°C) points. Fahrenheit uses 32°F and 212°F for the same points. Kelvin is an absolute scale starting at absolute zero (-273.15°C).
How to use this calculator
- 1Enter the temperature value.
- 2Select the unit you are converting from (Celsius, Fahrenheit, or Kelvin).
- 3Press Calculate to see the equivalent in all three scales.
- 4Review the conversion formulas shown with the result.
- 5Use the result for cooking, science, or travel planning.
The formula
The calculation uses a standard, verifiable formula. Here it is in its simplest form.
Celsius to Fahrenheit: °F = (°C × 9/5) + 32
Fahrenheit to Celsius: °C = (°F − 32) × 5/9
Celsius to Kelvin: K = °C + 273.15
Kelvin to Celsius: °C = K − 273.15
What each variable means
| Symbol | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| °C | Celsius | The temperature in degrees Celsius. |
| °F | Fahrenheit | The temperature in degrees Fahrenheit. |
| K | Kelvin | The temperature in kelvin (absolute scale). |
Step-by-step example
Example: 25°C
Temperature:25From:Celsius
- 1Fahrenheit = (25 × 9/5) + 32 = 45 + 32 = 77°F
- 2Kelvin = 25 + 273.15 = 298.15 K
Result
25°C = 77°F = 298.15 K
What changes the result
- Celsius and Fahrenheit are relative scales with different zero points.
- Kelvin is an absolute scale — it cannot be negative.
- The same temperature has different numerical values in each scale.
Edge cases to be aware of
Unusual situations handled correctly
- Absolute zero is -273.15°C, -459.67°F, or 0 K — the lowest possible temperature.
- Kelvin values cannot be negative.
- Very high temperatures (like the Sun's surface) are best expressed in kelvin.
Common mistakes
Avoid these errors
- Using the wrong conversion formula direction.
- Forgetting to add 32 when converting Celsius to Fahrenheit.
- Treating kelvin as if it used the degree symbol.
Assumptions
- Standard conversion formulas are used.
- The input value is a valid temperature.
- No rounding is applied to intermediate steps.
Limitations
- Does not account for temperature scales used in specialized fields.
- Assumes standard atmospheric conditions for reference points.
- Requires a valid temperature input.
Frequently asked questions
What is absolute zero?+
Absolute zero is the lowest possible temperature, where particles have minimal thermal motion. It is 0 K, -273.15°C, or -459.67°F.
Why does the US use Fahrenheit?+
The Fahrenheit scale was developed by Daniel Fahrenheit in the 18th century and became standard in the US. Most other countries use Celsius, and science uses Kelvin.
At what temperature are Celsius and Fahrenheit equal?+
Celsius and Fahrenheit are equal at -40 degrees. At -40°C, the temperature is also -40°F.