Temperature Converter
Enter a temperature value and select the units to convert between Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin.
Celsius (°C)
Fahrenheit (°F)
Kelvin (K)
Fahrenheit (°F)
Celsius (°C)
Kelvin (K)
Converted Temperature:
Understanding Temperature Conversions
Temperature is a fundamental physical quantity that expresses hot and cold. It is measured using a thermometer and is often expressed in one of three primary scales: Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin. Understanding how to convert between these scales is crucial in various scientific, engineering, and daily life contexts.
The Three Main Temperature Scales:
- Celsius (°C): Also known as centigrade, this scale is widely used around the world. It defines the freezing point of water at 0°C and the boiling point at 100°C at standard atmospheric pressure.
- Fahrenheit (°F): Primarily used in the United States, this scale sets the freezing point of water at 32°F and the boiling point at 212°F.
- Kelvin (K): This is the absolute thermodynamic temperature scale, with its zero point (0 K) representing absolute zero, the theoretical lowest possible temperature where all molecular motion ceases. Kelvin is widely used in scientific research and is an SI (International System of Units) base unit.
Why Convert Temperatures?
Temperature conversions are necessary for several reasons:
- International Communication: To ensure clarity and accuracy when sharing data across regions that use different scales.
- Scientific Research: Many scientific formulas and calculations require temperatures in Kelvin, especially when dealing with gas laws or thermodynamics.
- Engineering Applications: Designing systems or components often requires precise temperature specifications that might be given in different units.
- Everyday Life: Understanding weather forecasts or cooking instructions from different countries.
Conversion Formulas:
The calculator above uses the following standard formulas for conversion:
- Celsius to Fahrenheit: \( F = (C \times \frac{9}{5}) + 32 \)
- Fahrenheit to Celsius: \( C = (F – 32) \times \frac{5}{9} \)
- Celsius to Kelvin: \( K = C + 273.15 \)
- Kelvin to Celsius: \( C = K – 273.15 \)
- Fahrenheit to Kelvin: First convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, then Celsius to Kelvin. \( K = (F – 32) \times \frac{5}{9} + 273.15 \)
- Kelvin to Fahrenheit: First convert Kelvin to Celsius, then Celsius to Fahrenheit. \( F = (K – 273.15) \times \frac{9}{5} + 32 \)
Examples of Temperature Conversions:
Let's look at some practical examples:
- Example 1: Room Temperature
If a room is 22°C, what is that in Fahrenheit? Using the formula: \( F = (22 \times \frac{9}{5}) + 32 = (22 \times 1.8) + 32 = 39.6 + 32 = 71.6°F \). So, 22°C is approximately 71.6°F. - Example 2: Boiling Water
Water boils at 212°F. What is this in Celsius and Kelvin? To Celsius: \( C = (212 – 32) \times \frac{5}{9} = 180 \times \frac{5}{9} = 100°C \). To Kelvin: \( K = 100 + 273.15 = 373.15 K \). So, 212°F is 100°C or 373.15 K. - Example 3: Absolute Zero
Absolute zero is 0 K. What is this in Celsius and Fahrenheit? To Celsius: \( C = 0 – 273.15 = -273.15°C \). To Fahrenheit: \( F = (-273.15 \times \frac{9}{5}) + 32 = (-273.15 \times 1.8) + 32 = -491.67 + 32 = -459.67°F \). So, 0 K is -273.15°C or -459.67°F.
Using this calculator, you can quickly and accurately perform these conversions, ensuring consistency and correctness in your work or daily understanding.