Temperature Converter
Convert temperatures between Celsius, Fahrenheit, Kelvin, and Rankine. Free temperature calculator with conversion formulas and explanations.
Temperature Converter
Understanding Temperature Scales: Theory, Usage, and History
Temperature Scales Explained
Celsius (°C)
Based on water's freezing (0°C) and boiling (100°C) points at standard atmospheric pressure.
Fahrenheit (°F)
Water freezes at 32°F and boils at 212°F. Commonly used in the United States.
Kelvin (K)
Absolute temperature scale starting at absolute zero (-273.15°C). Used in scientific applications.
Rankine (°R)
Absolute scale using Fahrenheit degrees. Primarily used in engineering applications.
Conversion Formulas
Temperature Conversion Formulas:
- °C to °F: (°C × 9/5) + 32
- °F to °C: (°F - 32) × 5/9
- °C to K: °C + 273.15
- K to °C: K - 273.15
- °F to °R: °F + 459.67
- °R to °F: °R - 459.67
History of Temperature Scales
The Fahrenheit scale was developed by Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit in 1724. The Celsius scale was created by Anders Celsius in 1742, originally with 0° as the boiling point and 100° as the freezing point, later reversed. Lord Kelvin introduced the absolute temperature scale in 1848, based on the concept of absolute zero.
Related Calculators
Quick Tips
- • Remember: 0°C = 32°F (water freezing point)
- • Body temperature: ~37°C or ~98.6°F
- • Absolute zero: -273.15°C or 0K
- • Use Kelvin for scientific calculations