Free Temperature Converter — Celsius (°C) ⇄ Fahrenheit (°F)
Instantly convert temperatures for weather, cooking and science.
Water Freezes
0°C = 32°F
Room Temp
20°C = 68°F
Body Temp
37°C = 98.6°F
Water Boils
100°C = 212°F
How to Convert Temperatures
1) Enter a Value in °C or °F
- Type a temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit and the other updates automatically.
- Copy results or round to common cooking increments.
2) Understand the Formula
- °F = (°C × 9/5) + 32
- °C = (°F − 32) × 5/9
Temperature Scale Comparison
Understanding different temperature scales helps you work with international recipes, weather reports, and scientific data:
- Celsius (°C): Water freezes at 0°C, boils at 100°C
- Fahrenheit (°F): Water freezes at 32°F, boils at 212°F
- Kelvin (K): Absolute zero at 0K, same degree size as Celsius
- Rankine (°R): Absolute zero at 0°R, same degree size as Fahrenheit
Common Temperature Reference Points
These reference points help you understand temperature relationships:
- Absolute Zero: -273.15°C / -459.67°F (0K / 0°R)
- Dry Ice: -78.5°C / -109.3°F
- Water Freezing: 0°C / 32°F
- Room Temperature: 20°C / 68°F
- Body Temperature: 37°C / 98.6°F
- Water Boiling: 100°C / 212°F
- Oven Baking: 180°C / 356°F
Cooking Temperature Guide
Essential cooking temperatures for different techniques and foods:
Baking and Roasting
- Slow Baking: 120°C / 250°F - Cakes, breads
- Moderate Baking: 180°C / 350°F - Cookies, muffins
- Hot Baking: 220°C / 425°F - Pizzas, pastries
- Very Hot: 250°C / 480°F - Bread crusts, pizza stones
Meat Cooking Temperatures
- Rare Beef: 52°C / 125°F
- Medium Rare: 57°C / 135°F
- Medium: 63°C / 145°F
- Well Done: 71°C / 160°F
- Poultry: 74°C / 165°F
Weather Temperature Ranges
Understanding weather temperature ranges helps you dress appropriately and plan activities:
- Extreme Cold: Below -18°C / 0°F
- Very Cold: -18°C to -7°C / 0°F to 20°F
- Cold: -7°C to 4°C / 20°F to 40°F
- Cool: 4°C to 13°C / 40°F to 55°F
- Mild: 13°C to 21°C / 55°F to 70°F
- Warm: 21°C to 29°C / 70°F to 85°F
- Hot: 29°C to 38°C / 85°F to 100°F
- Extreme Heat: Above 38°C / 100°F
Scientific Temperature Applications
Temperature plays a crucial role in scientific research and industrial processes:
- Chemistry: Reaction rates, solubility, phase changes
- Physics: Thermal expansion, gas laws, thermodynamics
- Biology: Enzyme activity, cell growth, metabolism
- Medicine: Fever detection, hypothermia treatment
- Engineering: Material properties, thermal design
- Food Science: Preservation, cooking, safety
Temperature Conversion Tips
These tips help you convert temperatures quickly and accurately:
- Remember that -40°C = -40°F (the only point where both scales meet)
- For rough estimates: °F ≈ °C × 2 + 30
- For precise conversions: Use the exact formulas
- When cooking, round to the nearest 5°F or 2°C for practical use
- For scientific work, maintain decimal precision
- Consider the context: weather, cooking, or scientific applications
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the easiest way to convert temperatures?
Use our free online converter for instant, accurate results. For mental math, remember that °F ≈ °C × 2 + 30 gives a rough estimate.
Why do different countries use different temperature scales?
Historical reasons and cultural preferences. Celsius is used in most countries, while Fahrenheit is primarily used in the United States.
Which temperature scale is more accurate?
Both scales are equally accurate. The choice depends on your location, field of work, and personal preference.
How do I convert negative temperatures?
Use the same formulas. For example, -10°C = 14°F, and -10°F = -23.3°C. The converter handles negative values automatically.
What's the difference between Celsius and Fahrenheit?
Celsius uses water's freezing and boiling points as reference (0°C and 100°C), while Fahrenheit uses different reference points (32°F and 212°F).