Temperature Conversions

Introduction

Temperature is measured using different scales around the world. The most common are Celsius (°C), Fahrenheit (°F), and Kelvin (K). Understanding how to convert between them is essential for science, cooking, and travel.

Key Temperature Scales

• Celsius (°C): Used worldwide and in science. Water freezes at 0°C and boils at 100°C.
• Fahrenheit (°F): Used mainly in the US. Water freezes at 32°F and boils at 212°F.
• Kelvin (K): The SI unit for temperature. 0 K is absolute zero. Water freezes at 273.15 K and boils at 373.15 K.

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

Conversion Table

Example Conversions

• Convert 20°C to °F: (20 × 9/5) + 32 = 68°F
• Convert 68°F to °C: (68 − 32) × 5/9 = 20°C
• Convert 0°C to K: 0 + 273.15 = 273.15 K

Tips

• Remember that Kelvin does not use the degree symbol (K, not °K).
• Use the formulas above for quick mental conversions.
• Online converters are handy for less common conversions.

FAQ

• Why does water freeze at 0°C but 32°F? The scales have different zero points and increments.
• What is absolute zero? 0 K, the lowest possible temperature, where all molecular motion stops.