How the temperature converter works
Unlike length or weight, temperature scales don't share a common zero point, so each pair has its own formula:
°F = °C × 9/5 + 32
K = °C + 273.15
°C = (°F − 32) × 5/9
°C = K − 273.15
K = °C + 273.15
°C = (°F − 32) × 5/9
°C = K − 273.15
Step-by-step guide
- Enter the temperature value.
- Choose the unit you're converting from and to.
- The result updates instantly as you type.
Quick reference points
| Description | °C | °F |
|---|---|---|
| Water freezes | 0°C | 32°F |
| Room temperature | ~20–22°C | ~68–72°F |
| Body temperature | 37°C | 98.6°F |
| Water boils | 100°C | 212°F |
Frequently asked questions
Absolute zero is 0 Kelvin, equal to −273.15°C or −459.67°F — the theoretical point at which particles have minimum thermal motion. Kelvin values below zero aren't physically meaningful.
This is largely historical — Fahrenheit was the dominant scale in the British Empire when the US adopted it, and most other English-speaking countries later switched to Celsius as part of broader metrication.