About this tool
Why use this tool
Americans use Fahrenheit for daily weather and cooking, while most of the world uses Celsius and science uses Kelvin. Converting matters for reading international recipes (Celsius ovens), understanding overseas weather forecasts, calibrating scientific equipment, and interpreting medical data (WHO fever guidelines in Celsius). The US is one of only three countries still using Fahrenheit; NIST maintains all official temperature references domestically.
How it works
°C = (°F − 32) × 5/9. °F = °C × 9/5 + 32. K = °C + 273.15. Absolute zero = 0 K = −273.15°C = −459.67°F. Water freezes at 32°F (0°C) and boils at 212°F (100°C) at sea level. Body temperature 98.6°F = 37°C. Fever threshold per CDC: 100.4°F (38°C).
Real example
A hot summer day in Phoenix at 110°F = 43.3°C. Oven at 350°F for baking = 177°C. A cold winter morning in Chicago at 10°F = −12°C. Boiling water: 212°F = 100°C = 373.15 K. Room temperature: 68–72°F = 20–22°C.
Practical tips
Quick mental math: to go from °C to °F, double and add 30 (25°C ≈ 80°F, accurate within 2° for common temperatures). Reverse: subtract 30 and halve. Kitchen shortcuts: 350°F (moderate oven) = 175°C, 400°F (hot) = 200°C, 425°F = 220°C. For fever, CDC/AAP defines 100.4°F rectal or ear as fever in infants. Weather apps (AccuWeather, Weather.com) let you toggle units. Thermostats: DOE recommends 78°F cooling and 68°F heating for efficiency. Scientific work always uses Kelvin — one Celsius degree change equals one Kelvin change.
Disclaimer
Conversions here are mathematically exact per NIST SI definitions. Household thermometers (medical, culinary, weather) have accuracy of ±0.5°F to ±3°F. For critical measurements (pharmaceutical, laboratory, food safety) use NIST-traceable calibrated instruments per FDA requirements.