Temperature Conversion Formulas
Celsius, Kelvin, and Fahrenheit Temperature Conversions
All degrees are not created equal! It's important to be able to convert between temperatures scales. Steven Taylor, Getty Images
by Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Updated March 15, 2017
The three common temperature scales are Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin. Each scale has its uses, so it's likely you'll encounter them and need to convert between them. Fortunately, the conversion formulas are simple:
Celsius to Fahrenheit ° F = 9/5 ( ° C) + 32
Kelvin to Fahrenheit ° F = 9/5 (K - 273) + 32
Fahrenheit to Celsius ° C = 5/9 (° F - 32)
Celsius to Kelvin K = ° C + 273
Kelvin to Celsius ° C = K - 273
Fahrenheit to Kelvin K = 5/9 (° F - 32) + 273
Useful Temperature Facts
Celsius and Fahrenheit are the same at -40°.Water boils at 100°C or 212°F.Water freezes at 0°C and 32°F.Absolute zero is 0 K.Celsius and Fahrenheit are degree scales. The degree symbol is not used to report temperature using the Kelvin scale.
