Overview
Convert temperatures between Celsius, Fahrenheit and Kelvin using standard formulas.
Objective
Use the correct measurements, units and method to produce an accurate, clearly labelled result.
What You Need
- A temperature reading
- The starting scale
- The target scale
- Calculator if needed
Before You Start
Write down the value or dimensions you have, including their units. Decide exactly what unit or result you need before calculating. Keeping the units visible makes errors much easier to spot.
How to Do It
- Identify the temperature scales.
- Use the correct formula.
- Follow the order of operations carefully.
- Round only if needed.
- Check the result against familiar reference temperatures.
Worked Example
Convert 20°C to Fahrenheit: (20 × 9/5) + 32 = 68°F.
Useful Tips
- Remember that Celsius and Fahrenheit do not share the same zero point.
- Use brackets when entering formulas into a calculator.
- 0°C = 32°F is a useful check.
Common Mistakes
- Simply multiplying Celsius by a factor without adding 32.
- Using the Fahrenheit-to-Celsius formula backwards.
- Treating Kelvin as if it uses degrees.
Important Notes
Conversion factors and measurement standards can vary by country or context. When accuracy matters, confirm the standard being used and keep enough decimal places until the final answer.
FAQ
When should I round the answer?
Keep the full value during the calculation and round at the end to a level of precision suitable for the task.
Why should I always write the units?
The unit tells you what the number represents and helps reveal mistakes when converting or calculating.