Temperature Points

A comprehensive temperature resource with conversions, scientific references, and global temperature insights.

Temperature Converter

Convert precisely between temperature scales with this interactive tool.

Temperature Reference Points

Key temperatures that serve as scientific and everyday reference points across different scales.

Reference Point Celsius (°C) Fahrenheit (°F) Kelvin (K)
Absolute Zero -273.15 -459.67 0
Freezing Point of Water 0 32 273.15
Average Room Temperature 20 68 293.15
Normal Human Body Temperature 37 98.6 310.15
Boiling Point of Water 100 212 373.15
Surface of the Sun 5,505 9,941 5,778

Temperature Science

Temperature is a physical quantity expressing hot and cold. It is the manifestation of thermal energy, present in all matter, which is the source of the occurrence of heat, a flow of energy, when a body is in contact with another that is colder.

Temperature Scales

Different temperature scales have been developed throughout history, each with different reference points and intervals:

  • Celsius: Based on the freezing (0°C) and boiling (100°C) points of water.
  • Fahrenheit: Sets the freezing point of water at 32°F and the boiling point at 212°F.
  • Kelvin: An absolute temperature scale where 0K represents absolute zero (the theoretical absence of all thermal energy).
  • Rankine: An absolute scale that uses the Fahrenheit degree as its unit, with 0°R representing absolute zero.

Temperature Conversion Formulas

Mathematical relationships between different temperature scales:

  • Celsius to Fahrenheit: °F = (°C × 9/5) + 32
  • Fahrenheit to Celsius: °C = (°F - 32) × 5/9
  • Celsius to Kelvin: K = °C + 273.15
  • Kelvin to Celsius: °C = K - 273.15
  • Fahrenheit to Kelvin: K = (°F - 32) × 5/9 + 273.15
  • Kelvin to Fahrenheit: °F = (K - 273.15) × 9/5 + 32
  • Rankine to Kelvin: K = °R × 5/9
  • Rankine to Fahrenheit: °F = °R - 459.67

Global Temperature Insights

Temperature patterns vary significantly across the planet. Here's how various locations compare in terms of record and average temperatures.

Record Temperatures

  • Highest recorded temperature: 56.7°C (134°F) in Death Valley, USA (1913)
  • Lowest recorded temperature: -89.2°C (-128.6°F) in Vostok Station, Antarctica (1983)
  • Highest average annual temperature: 34.4°C (93.9°F) in Dallol, Ethiopia
  • Lowest average annual temperature: -58°C (-72.4°F) in Plateau Station, Antarctica

Temperature Extremes by Continent

Continent Record High °C (°F) Record Low °C (°F)
Africa 55.0 (131.0) -23.9 (-11.0)
Antarctica 18.3 (64.9) -89.2 (-128.6)
Asia 54.0 (129.2) -67.8 (-90.0)
Australia 50.7 (123.3) -23.0 (-9.4)
Europe 48.8 (119.8) -58.1 (-72.6)
North America 56.7 (134.0) -63.0 (-81.4)
South America 48.9 (120.0) -32.8 (-27.0)

Climate Change Context

Average global temperatures have risen approximately 1.1°C since pre-industrial times. The Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels.

Key temperature thresholds in climate science:

  • 1.5°C warming: Considered the safer limit for preventing the worst climate impacts
  • 2.0°C warming: Associated with more severe and widespread climate impacts
  • 4.0°C warming: Potential "business as usual" scenario if emissions continue unchecked

Random Temperature Calculation Links

Conversion Link
99.85 °C to 373 K Convert 99.85 c to k
-3.33 °C to 26 °F Convert -3.33 c to f
95 °C to 203 °F Convert 95 c to f
183 °F to 357.04 K Convert 183 f to k
126 °F to 325.37 K Convert 126 f to k

Temperature Applications

Temperature measurements play critical roles across numerous fields and everyday scenarios.

Medical Applications

Temperature monitoring is crucial for health assessment:

  • Hypothermia: Body temperature below 35°C (95°F)
  • Normal: 36.5-37.5°C (97.7-99.5°F)
  • Fever: Above 38°C (100.4°F)
  • Hyperthermia: Above 40°C (104°F), medical emergency

Industrial Applications

Temperature control is essential in various industries:

  • Food safety: Cooking temperatures, cold storage
  • Manufacturing: Metal processing, chemical reactions
  • Electronics: Operating temperature ranges for devices
  • Energy: Power plant efficiency, thermal energy storage

Temperature Measurement History

The development of temperature measurement has been a crucial part of scientific progress.

Timeline of Temperature Scales

  • 1714: Gabriel Fahrenheit creates the first standardized temperature scale
  • 1742: Anders Celsius proposes a centigrade scale (initially reversed)
  • 1848: Lord Kelvin proposes an absolute temperature scale
  • 1859: William Rankine creates the Rankine absolute scale
  • 1948: The International System of Units adopts Kelvin as the base unit of temperature

Temperature Measurement Technologies

Key advancements in how we measure temperature:

  • Liquid thermometers: Using mercury or alcohol expansion
  • Bimetallic strips: Used in thermostats
  • Thermocouples: For industrial and high-temperature applications
  • Resistance temperature detectors (RTDs): Precise measurements in laboratory settings
  • Infrared sensors: Non-contact temperature measurement
  • Digital thermometers: Modern electronic temperature devices