Temperature scales are not standardised worldwide: Germany and Europe use Celsius, the USA uses Fahrenheit, and science works in Kelvin. If you want to follow an American cooking video that says "350°F preheated oven", you need a quick conversion. Our calculator handles all three conversion directions instantly.
Step by Step: How to Use the Temperature Converter
- Select the starting scale: Celsius (°C), Fahrenheit (°F) or Kelvin (K).
- Enter the temperature value: For example 350 for 350°F.
- Select the target scale: For example Celsius.
- Read the result: 350°F = (350−32)/1.8 = 176.7°C – just right for that oven!
- Compare multiple values: The calculator displays all three scales simultaneously.
Practical Examples
Oven setting from an American recipe: "Bake at 375°F" = (375−32)/1.8 = 190.6°C → set the oven to 190°C.
Body temperature: A fever starts at 38.5°C = 101.3°F. A US thermometer reading 99°F: 99°F = (99−32)/1.8 = 37.2°C – slightly elevated, not a fever.
Absolute zero: 0 Kelvin = −273.15°C = the lowest theoretically possible temperature. Room temperature 20°C = 293.15 K.
Temperature Reference Points
- 0°C = 32°F = 273.15 K (freezing point of water)
- 20°C = 68°F = 293.15 K (room temperature)
- 37°C = 98.6°F = 310.15 K (body temperature)
- 100°C = 212°F = 373.15 K (boiling point of water)
- −40°C = −40°F = 233.15 K
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why are there different temperature scales?
Celsius was named after Anders Celsius in 1742; its zero point is the freezing point of water. Fahrenheit (1714) set zero based on a brine solution. Kelvin (1848) starts at absolute zero – ideal for physics.
Is there a temperature where Celsius and Fahrenheit are the same?
Yes: at −40°. So −40°C = −40°F. This is the only point where both scales give the same number. Proof: (−40 × 1.8) + 32 = −72 + 32 = −40.
When should I use Kelvin instead of Celsius?
In physics and chemistry whenever absolute temperatures are required: gas laws (V ∝ T in Kelvin), radiation physics, thermodynamics. For everyday purposes, Celsius is more convenient.
