Convert Temperature from degree Celsius (C) to other units
Multiple conversions

What is a degree Celsius (°C)?

A degree Celsius (°C) is one of the most common units for measuring temperature around the world. As a key part of the metric system, it's used in everything from daily weather forecasts to scientific research. It offers a straightforward and rational method for gauging the temperature of an object. The plural version is degrees Celsius.

Why Is Celsius Based on Water's Freezing and Boiling Points?

The Celsius scale is cleverly based on the physical properties of water. This relationship to a familiar substance makes it very easy to understand. Let's break it down simply:

• 0 °C is set as the freezing point of water.
• 100 °C is set as the boiling point of water.

This perfect 100-degree interval between freezing and boiling is why it was initially called a "centigrade" scale (from "centi-" meaning 100). This straightforward system is the reason Celsius is the standard for temperature measurement in most countries.

Who Invented the Celsius Scale (And Was It Backwards)?

In 1742, the Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius introduced his temperature scale, but with a surprising twist—it was upside down! He originally set 100° as the freezing point of water and 0° as its boiling point.

It was only after his death that the scale was flipped to the familiar version we use today, making it far more logical. This change is often credited to fellow scientist Carl Linnaeus.

How to Convert Celsius to Fahrenheit and Kelvin

Because Celsius is a global standard, knowing how to convert it to other scales, such as Fahrenheit (°F) and Kelvin (K), is useful. Here are the simple formulas to do it:

• Celsius to Fahrenheit (°F):
  • Formula: °F = (°C × 9/5) + 32
  • This scale is primarily used in the United States. For example, a pleasant 20 °C day is 68 °F.
• Celsius to Kelvin (K):
  • Formula: K = °C + 273.15
  • Kelvin is the official SI base unit for temperature and is mainly used in science. Note that Kelvin does not use the "degree" symbol.