Temperature Conversion

This converter makes instant conversions between units of Celsius, Fahrenheit, and kelvins. To use this converter, please select the units and provide a value to convert. It will make conversions as the value is being typed in.

Popular temperature conversions

Temperature as a measurement

Temperature is a measurement of how hot or cold something is in terms of a given temperature scale. The temperature scales, Fahrenheit, kelvin, and Celsius are all arbitrary scales. For this reason, a person who is accustomed to temperature measurements in terms of one scale may have no concept of how hot or cold that given temperature actually is.

Temperature is an intensive property. This means that temperetaure is independent of the quantity of matter that is being considered. This differs from quantities such as mass and volume, both of which are dependent on the quantity of matter being considered. Thus, assuming all other conditions remain the same, the largest stadium in the world at a temperature of 72°F will feel the same as a small room at 72°F.

One degree of difference in the Celsius scale is equivalent to one degree on the kelvin scale. This means that an increase of 1 degree Celsius is the same increase in temperature as an increase in 1 kelvin. The temperature scales are simply shifted such that 0°C is equal to 273.15 K. Thus, to convert from Celsius to kelvin, add 273.15. For example, the boiling point of water is 100°C. The boiling point of water as measured by the kelvin temperature scale is therefore:

100°C + 273.15 = 373.15 K

One degree of difference Fahrenheit is equivalent to of a degree Celsius (and therefore of a degree kelvin). In other words, 1°C = 1.8 °F. Note that the previous two statements indicate the relationship between an increase in temperature of 1 degree. An increase of temperature of 1 degree in the kelvin or Celsius scales is equivalent to an increase in temperature of 1.8 degrees in the Fahrenheit scale. To convert from Fahrenheit to Celsius, use the following conversion:

For example, a temperature of 77°F can be converted to Celsius as follows:

To convert from Celsius to Fahrenheit, use the following conversion:

For example, a temperature of 45°C can be converted to Fahrenheit as follows:

Converting from Fahrenheit to kelvin can be achieved by first converting to Celsius, then adding 273.15.