Degrees Celsius Calculator

The Degrees Celsius Calculator converts between Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin temperature scales. This tool helps you understand temperature relationships and perform quick conversions for scientific, cooking, and weather applications.

What is Degrees Celsius?

The Celsius scale (symbol: °C) is a temperature scale used by the International System of Units (SI). It's based on the freezing point of water at 0°C and the boiling point at 100°C at standard atmospheric pressure. The Celsius scale is part of the metric system and is widely used worldwide, except in the United States where Fahrenheit is more common.

Key Properties of Celsius

0°C is the freezing point of water
100°C is the boiling point of water
100 divisions between freezing and boiling points
Used in most scientific and everyday measurements

Celsius is named after Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius, who developed the original scale in 1742. The scale was later inverted so that higher numbers indicate higher temperatures, which is now the standard convention.

How to Convert Temperature Units

Converting between temperature scales is straightforward using these formulas:

Celsius to Fahrenheit

°F = (°C × 9/5) + 32

Example: 25°C = (25 × 9/5) + 32 = 77°F

Fahrenheit to Celsius

°C = (°F - 32) × 5/9

Example: 98.6°F = (98.6 - 32) × 5/9 ≈ 37°C

Celsius to Kelvin

K = °C + 273.15

Example: 0°C = 0 + 273.15 = 273.15K

Kelvin to Celsius

°C = K - 273.15

Example: 300K = 300 - 273.15 = 26.85°C

These conversions are essential for scientific work, cooking, weather reporting, and engineering applications. The calculator on this page performs these calculations automatically for you.

Common Temperature Values

Here are some common temperature values in different scales:

Temperature	Celsius (°C)	Fahrenheit (°F)	Kelvin (K)
Freezing point of water	0	32	273.15
Body temperature	37	98.6	310.15
Boiling point of water	100	212	373.15
Room temperature	20-25	68-77	293-298
Absolute zero	-273.15	-459.67	0

These reference points help understand the temperature scale relationships and provide context for temperature measurements in different contexts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Celsius and Fahrenheit?

Celsius and Fahrenheit are two different temperature scales. Celsius is part of the metric system and is used by most countries, while Fahrenheit is primarily used in the United States. The two scales have different zero points and different increments between degrees.

Why is Celsius called centigrade?

The term "centigrade" comes from the Latin "centum" meaning 100 and "gradus" meaning steps. The Celsius scale divides the temperature range between the freezing and boiling points of water into 100 equal parts, hence "centigrade."

What is absolute zero?

Absolute zero is the lowest possible temperature where particles have minimal motion. It's equivalent to -273.15°C or 0 Kelvin. At this temperature, all thermal motion ceases in a classical sense.

How do I convert between Celsius and Kelvin?

To convert Celsius to Kelvin, add 273.15 to the Celsius value. To convert Kelvin to Celsius, subtract 273.15 from the Kelvin value. These conversions are straightforward and don't require multiplication or division.