General
Fahrenheit Calculator
Convert temperatures between Fahrenheit and other temperature scales
Enter a temperature in Fahrenheit to see conversions
Related to Fahrenheit Calculator
The Fahrenheit calculator performs temperature conversions between Fahrenheit (°F) and other common temperature scales: Celsius (°C) and Kelvin (K). The calculator uses precise mathematical formulas to ensure accurate temperature conversions across all scales.
Conversion Formulas
To convert from Fahrenheit to Celsius: °C = (°F - 32) × 5/9
To convert from Fahrenheit to Kelvin: K = (°F - 32) × 5/9 + 273.15
The calculator handles temperatures as low as absolute zero (-459.67°F) and has no upper limit. All calculations are performed with high precision and rounded to two decimal places for practical use. The calculator also includes validation to prevent entering temperatures below absolute zero, which is physically impossible.
The calculator provides instant conversions to both Celsius and Kelvin scales. Understanding these conversions is crucial for various applications in science, cooking, weather monitoring, and international communication.
Common Reference Points
• Water Freezing Point: 32°F = 0°C = 273.15K
• Room Temperature: ~72°F = ~22°C = ~295K
• Water Boiling Point: 212°F = 100°C = 373.15K
• Absolute Zero: -459.67°F = -273.15°C = 0K
The results are displayed in a clear format with both the numerical value and the appropriate unit symbol. The copy feature allows you to easily share or document the conversion results in a well-formatted manner.
1. Why do we use different temperature scales?
Different temperature scales were developed for different purposes and in different historical contexts. Fahrenheit is commonly used in the United States and a few other countries, while Celsius is the standard in most countries and scientific work. Kelvin is the SI unit of temperature used in scientific calculations.
2. What is the significance of absolute zero?
Absolute zero (-459.67°F, -273.15°C, or 0K) is the lowest possible temperature in the universe. At this point, all molecular motion stops except for the small vibrations due to quantum effects. It's impossible to achieve temperatures below absolute zero, which is why our calculator includes this as the minimum limit.
3. How accurate are the temperature conversions?
The temperature conversions are mathematically exact and based on standard conversion formulas. The results are rounded to two decimal places for practical purposes, but the underlying calculations are performed with full precision to ensure accuracy.
4. Why does the Fahrenheit scale use 32°F as the freezing point?
Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit set 0°F based on the lowest temperature he could reliably achieve in his laboratory (a mixture of ice, water, and ammonium chloride). He then set 32°F as the freezing point of water and 96°F as the average human body temperature (later refined to 98.6°F), creating a scale with 64 divisions between these points.
5. What is the scientific source for this calculator?
The temperature conversion formulas used in this calculator are based on the fundamental definitions of temperature scales established by the International System of Units (SI) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The Kelvin scale is defined by setting absolute zero at 0K and the triple point of water at 273.16K. The Celsius and Fahrenheit conversions are derived from these standards and are documented in NIST Special Publication 811 (2008) - "Guide for the Use of the International System of Units (SI)" and the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) SI Brochure.