Temperature Unit Converter

Quickly convert temperatures between multiple units and scales.

Result

33.8 F

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are there so many different temperature scales?

Different temperature scales were developed historically by various scientists for diverse purposes, often based on easily reproducible physical phenomena like the freezing and boiling points of water or other specific calibration points.

What is absolute zero and which scales use it as their starting point?

Absolute zero is the lowest possible temperature (-273.15°C or -459.67°F) where all classical atomic motion ceases. The Kelvin (K) and Rankine (°R) scales use absolute zero as their 0 point.

How do Celsius and Fahrenheit define their reference points?

The Celsius scale defines 0°C as the freezing point of water and 100°C as its boiling point at standard atmospheric pressure. Fahrenheit set 0°F based on a brine solution and originally aimed for human body temperature around 96-100°F.

Which temperature scale is most commonly used in scientific research?

The Kelvin (K) scale is the standard SI unit for temperature and is predominantly used in scientific research and engineering due to its direct relation to absolute zero and thermodynamic principles.

What are historical temperature scales like Réaumur or Newton?

Scales like Réaumur (°Ré), Newton (°N), Delisle (°De), and Rømer (°Rø) are historical systems for measuring temperature. They were developed based on different reference points and calibration methods, but most have been superseded by Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin.

Can temperature be negative, and on which scales?

Yes, temperature can be negative on relative scales like Celsius (°C) and Fahrenheit (°F). However, on absolute scales like Kelvin (K) and Rankine (°R), temperature cannot be negative because their zero points represent absolute zero, the lowest theoretically achievable temperature.

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