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Degree Celsius Conversion Table
This comprehensive degree Celsius conversion table shows how various temperature units relate to Celsius. Use this reference for quick conversions between Celsius and other common temperature units.
| Conversion | To Unit | Formula |
|---|---|---|
| Celsius to Kelvin | Kelvin | K = °C + 273.15 |
| Celsius to Fahrenheit | Fahrenheit | °F = (°C × 9/5) + 32 |
| Celsius to Rankine | Rankine | °R = (°C + 273.15) × 9/5 |
| Celsius to Réaumur | Réaumur | °Re = °C × 4/5 |
This degree Celsius conversion reference table provides accurate formulas for converting between Celsius and other temperature units. All values are based on internationally recognized standards for maximum precision in scientific and engineering applications.
What is Degree Celsius?
The degree Celsius (symbol: °C) is a unit of temperature on the Celsius scale, one of the most commonly used temperature scales worldwide. It is defined in relation to the Kelvin scale, with 0°C being exactly equivalent to 273.15 K. The scale is named after Anders Celsius, a Swedish astronomer who proposed a similar temperature scale in 1742.
The Celsius scale sets the freezing point of water at 0°C and the boiling point of water at 100°C under standard atmospheric pressure (101.325 kPa). This makes it particularly useful for everyday temperature measurements and meteorological applications. Our degree Celsius conversion tool helps you easily convert between Celsius and other temperature units like Kelvin and Fahrenheit.
What is the SI of Degree Celsius?
The degree Celsius is not an SI base unit itself, but it is a derived unit accepted for use with the SI. The base SI unit for temperature is the kelvin (K). The relationship between Celsius and Kelvin is defined by the equation: °C = K - 273.15. This makes degree Celsius essential for SI units conversion involving temperature:
- Kelvin (K) = °C + 273.15
- Degree Fahrenheit (°F) = (°C × 9/5) + 32
- Degree Rankine (°R) = (°C + 273.15) × 9/5
- Degree Réaumur (°Re) = °C × 4/5
What is Degree Celsius Used For?
Degree Celsius is used in a wide range of applications across science, medicine, meteorology, and everyday life. As the standard unit for temperature in most countries, Celsius provides a familiar reference for all temperature conversions:
Meteorology
Weather forecasts and climate data. For example, a comfortable room temperature is around 20-25°C, while water freezes at 0°C and boils at 100°C at sea level.
Science & Research
Laboratory measurements, experimental data, and scientific calculations. For example, body temperature is approximately 37°C, and absolute zero is -273.15°C.
Medicine
Medical measurements and health monitoring. For example, a fever is typically indicated by a body temperature above 38°C.
Cooking & Food Safety
Recipe temperatures and food safety guidelines. For example, poultry should be cooked to at least 74°C to be safe for consumption.
Etymology and History
The term "Celsius" comes from the surname of Anders Celsius, the Swedish astronomer who developed the temperature scale in 1742. Initially, Celsius defined his scale with 0° as the boiling point of water and 100° as the freezing point, but it was later reversed to the modern form we use today.
The degree Celsius was officially defined in relation to the Kelvin scale in 1954 by the 10th General Conference on Weights and Measures. This definition fixed the triple point of water (where solid, liquid, and gaseous water coexist in equilibrium) at exactly 0.01°C or 273.16 K. The evolution of the Celsius scale reflects the advancement of measurement science and the need for more accurate SI units in temperature measurement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Celsius used instead of Fahrenheit in most countries?
Celsius is used in most countries because it's part of the metric system (SI) which provides a logical, decimal-based measurement system. The Celsius scale sets water's freezing point at 0°C and boiling point at 100°C, making it intuitive for scientific and everyday use. Only a few countries like the United States still primarily use Fahrenheit for non-scientific purposes.
How accurate is the Celsius definition?
The current definition of the Celsius scale is extremely accurate, as it's directly tied to the Kelvin scale which is defined based on the Boltzmann constant. This makes Celsius one of the most precisely defined temperature units. The relationship between Celsius and Kelvin is fixed at exactly 273.15 units, ensuring consistent and accurate conversions.
What's the difference between Celsius and Centigrade?
There is no difference in meaning. "Centigrade" was the original name for the temperature scale because it was divided into 100 degrees between freezing and boiling points of water. In 1948, the scale was officially renamed "Celsius" after its inventor Anders Celsius, but both terms still refer to the same temperature scale.
How do I convert Celsius to other temperature units?
Use our degree Celsius conversion calculators above, or apply the appropriate formula. For example, to convert Celsius to Kelvin, add 273.15; to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit, multiply by 9/5 and add 32. For detailed instructions on converting Celsius to Kelvin, visit our Celsius to Kelvin converter. Our tool also handles conversions to Rankine and Réaumur with high precision.
What are common uses for Celsius conversion?
Celsius conversion is essential in weather forecasting (temperature reports), cooking (recipe temperatures), medicine (body temperature), science (laboratory measurements), and international travel (understanding local weather). Whether checking the weather forecast or converting recipe temperatures, our Celsius converter tool simplifies these everyday tasks.
How does Celsius conversion differ from other temperature units?
Unlike Fahrenheit which has arbitrary reference points, the Celsius scale is based on the physical properties of water (0°C freezing, 100°C boiling). This makes Celsius conversions more intuitive and scientifically meaningful. As a derived SI unit directly related to Kelvin, Celsius conversions maintain precise mathematical relationships essential for scientific work.
Can I convert extreme temperatures in Celsius?
Yes, our degree Celsius converter handles both extremely cold and hot temperatures with precision. For scientific work, convert temperatures near absolute zero (-273.15°C) or extremely high temperatures like those in stars. Our smart rounding feature ensures readable results for all temperature ranges while maintaining accuracy.
Is your Celsius conversion tool free to use?
Yes, our degree Celsius conversion calculator is completely free with no registration required. Simply enter your value, select your target unit, and get instant, accurate results. We believe precise temperature conversion should be accessible to everyone, from students learning about temperature scales to professionals working on complex scientific projects.