Celsius to Fahrenheit Converter — Free Temperature Calculator
Temperature is one of those things you need to convert all the time — checking a weather forecast from another country, following a recipe that uses a different scale, or understanding a scientific reading. Our Temperature Converter instantly converts between Celsius, Fahrenheit, Kelvin, and more.
The Three Main Temperature Scales
Before diving into how to use the converter, it helps to understand the three scales you'll encounter:
Celsius (°C)
The standard temperature scale used in most of the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Water freezes at 0°C and boils at 100°C.Fahrenheit (°F)
Used primarily in the United States (and a few other countries). Water freezes at 32°F and boils at 212°F. Most people outside the US find it unintuitive.Kelvin (K)
The scientific standard. It's based on absolute zero — the coldest possible temperature (-273.15°C). Kelvin is used in physics, chemistry, and astronomy. Note: there's no degree symbol with Kelvin, just "K."How to Convert Temperatures — Step by Step
1. Go to the Temperature Converter 2. Enter the temperature value you want to convert 3. Select the scale you're converting from (Celsius, Fahrenheit, or Kelvin) 4. Select the scale you're converting to 5. The result appears instantly
No formula memorization needed.
Temperature Conversion Formulas (For Reference)
If you ever need to do the math manually, here are the exact formulas:
| Conversion | Formula | |---|---| | Celsius to Fahrenheit | (°C × 9/5) + 32 | | Fahrenheit to Celsius | (°F − 32) × 5/9 | | Celsius to Kelvin | °C + 273.15 | | Kelvin to Celsius | K − 273.15 | | Fahrenheit to Kelvin | (°F − 32) × 5/9 + 273.15 | | Kelvin to Fahrenheit | (K − 273.15) × 9/5 + 32 |
These formulas are accurate, but they're also why most people just use a converter instead of doing the math in their head.
Common Temperature Reference Points
| Situation | Celsius | Fahrenheit | Kelvin | |---|---|---|---| | Absolute zero | −273.15°C | −459.67°F | 0 K | | Water freezes | 0°C | 32°F | 273.15 K | | Room temperature | ~22°C | ~72°F | ~295 K | | Body temperature | 37°C | 98.6°F | 310.15 K | | Water boils | 100°C | 212°F | 373.15 K | | Oven (medium heat) | ~180°C | ~356°F | ~453 K |
Bookmark this table for quick reference.
When Do You Need to Convert Temperatures?
Checking International Weather
Planning a trip to the US while based in Europe? US weather forecasts are in Fahrenheit. A 90°F day sounds alarming until you know it's about 32°C — hot, but manageable.Cooking and Baking
Recipes from the US typically use Fahrenheit for oven temperatures. Recipes from Europe use Celsius. Getting this wrong can ruin your food.Medical and Health Contexts
Body temperature is reported differently in different countries. 98.6°F is the US standard for normal human body temperature — that's 37°C. Knowing the conversion helps when interpreting medical information from different sources.Science and Engineering
Kelvin is used in thermodynamics, chemistry, and physics. If you're studying or working in these fields, you'll need to convert regularly.Understanding Climate Data
Climate change reports and weather records often mix Celsius and Fahrenheit. Being able to convert between them helps you understand the data better.Quick Mental Shortcuts
If you need a rough conversion in your head:
- Celsius to Fahrenheit (rough): Double the Celsius value and add 30. (Exact: multiply by 1.8 and add 32)
- Fahrenheit to Celsius (rough): Subtract 30 and divide by 2.
These shortcuts give you a ballpark. For accuracy, use the Temperature Converter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is normal body temperature in Celsius and Fahrenheit? Normal human body temperature is 37°C or 98.6°F. A fever is generally considered anything above 38°C (100.4°F).
Why does the US still use Fahrenheit? The short answer is historical convention and the massive cost and effort of switching an entire country's infrastructure, signage, and habits. The US came close to adopting metric in the 1970s but the initiative stalled.
What is absolute zero? Absolute zero is the theoretical temperature at which all molecular movement stops. It's 0 K, −273.15°C, or −459.67°F. In practice, it's impossible to actually reach absolute zero, though scientists have come extremely close in laboratory settings.
Is Kelvin used in everyday life? Not in everyday life, but it's essential in science and engineering. Color temperature in photography and lighting is also measured in Kelvin — a 3000K light bulb gives warm yellow light, while a 6500K bulb gives cool, daylight-like light.