How it works
Because the scales have different zero points, temperature uses offset formulas rather than a single factor. From Celsius (°C):
- °F = (°C × 9/5) + 32
- K = °C + 273.15
Converting back to Celsius:
- °C = (°F − 32) × 5/9
- °C = K − 273.15
Worked example
Convert 100 °C (boiling water) to the other scales:
- °F = (100 × 9/5) + 32 = 212 °F
- K = 100 + 273.15 = 373.15 K
And body temperature 98.6 °F back to Celsius: (98.6 − 32) × 5/9 = 37 °C.