Temperature Scales Explained: Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin
Understand the three main temperature scales — Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin — their origins, how they compare, and when each one is used.
Temperature Converter
Convert between 5 temperature units.
Supported Units
| Unit | Symbol | Description |
|---|---|---|
| celsius | °C | Metric scale, water freezes at 0°. |
| fahrenheit | °F | US scale, water freezes at 32°. |
| kelvin | K | Scientific scale starting at absolute zero. |
| rankine | °R | Absolute scale based on Fahrenheit. |
| réaumur | °Re | Historical scale, 0-80 scale. |
All Temperature Converters
celsius to…
kelvin to…
rankine to…
réaumur to…
About Temperature Conversions
Temperature conversion is a bit different from other units because it involves starting points (offsets), not just scale factors. The formula isn't as simple as multiplying by a number. The two giants are Celsius (°C), used by almost the entire world, and Fahrenheit (°F), the standard in the United States. Scientists rely on Kelvin (K) for absolute measurements. Whether you're baking a cake, dressing for the weather, or conducting a chemistry experiment, accurate temperature conversion is vital. Remember: Water freezes at 0°C (32°F) and boils at 100°C (212°F).