Temperature Conversion Calculator
Enter a temperature, choose its current unit and select the unit you want. Results update automatically.
Use a numeric value. Temperatures below absolute zero are not physically valid.
Understanding Veterinary Temperature Measurements
Temperature is an important clinical measurement in animal health. Veterinary professionals may use it alongside heart rate, respiratory rate, hydration status, behavior, appetite and other observations when assessing an animal.
Veterinary references may express temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit depending on the country, clinic, textbook, medical record or equipment. A converter makes it easier to compare values without confusing the two scales.
Celsius (°C)
Commonly used in scientific work and in veterinary practice in many countries. Water freezes at 0°C at standard atmospheric pressure.
Fahrenheit (°F)
Used in the United States and in some veterinary resources. Water freezes at 32°F at standard atmospheric pressure.
Kelvin (K)
The SI unit of thermodynamic temperature. Kelvin is used more often in science than in routine animal temperature records.
A temperature reading is meaningful only when the unit and measurement method are clear. A rectal reading, ear reading, skin reading and environmental reading should not automatically be treated as interchangeable.
Veterinary Temperature Conversion Formulas
These formulas work for any valid temperature, whether it comes from a dog, cat, horse, farm animal, laboratory measurement or environmental thermometer.
Celsius to Fahrenheit
°F = (°C × 9/5) + 32
Multiply the Celsius value by 1.8, then add 32. For example, 38.5°C becomes (38.5 × 1.8) + 32 = 101.3°F.
Fahrenheit to Celsius
°C = (°F − 32) × 5/9
Subtract 32 first, then multiply by 5/9. For example, 102.2°F becomes (102.2 − 32) × 5/9 = 39°C.
Celsius to Kelvin
K = °C + 273.15
Add 273.15 to a Celsius temperature. For example, 38.5°C equals 311.65 K.
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
Celsius to Fahrenheit Veterinary Quick Reference
Use this table for rapid unit conversion. These are mathematical equivalents, not clinical thresholds for every animal species.
| Celsius (°C) | Fahrenheit (°F) | Kelvin (K) |
|---|---|---|
| 35.0 | 95.0 | 308.15 |
| 35.5 | 95.9 | 308.65 |
| 36.0 | 96.8 | 309.15 |
| 36.5 | 97.7 | 309.65 |
| 37.0 | 98.6 | 310.15 |
| 37.5 | 99.5 | 310.65 |
| 38.0 | 100.4 | 311.15 |
| 38.1 | 100.58 | 311.25 |
| 38.3 | 100.94 | 311.45 |
| 38.5 | 101.3 | 311.65 |
| 38.9 | 102.02 | 312.05 |
| 39.0 | 102.2 | 312.15 |
| 39.2 | 102.56 | 312.35 |
| 39.5 | 103.1 | 312.65 |
| 40.0 | 104.0 | 313.15 |
| 40.5 | 104.9 | 313.65 |
| 41.0 | 105.8 | 314.15 |
| 41.5 | 106.7 | 314.65 |
| 42.0 | 107.6 | 315.15 |
Display precision is rounded for convenience. Keep the original measurement and follow the precision recommended by your clinic or diagnostic protocol.
Animal Body Temperature Reference Chart
Different species have different expected body temperature ranges. The following approximate values are included as a general educational orientation. They are not a substitute for a current veterinary reference or advice from a veterinarian.
| Animal | Approximate reference (°C) | Approximate equivalent (°F) | Important considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog | 38.3–39.2°C | 101.0–102.6°F | Rest, excitement, exercise and handling may affect a reading. |
| Cat | 38.1–39.2°C | 100.6–102.6°F | Stress and restraint may influence temperature. |
| Horse | About 37.2–38.3°C | About 99.0–100.9°F | Age, exertion, ambient heat and clinical context matter. |
| Cattle | About 38.0–39.3°C | About 100.4–102.7°F | Heat stress, production stage and handling can affect results. |
| Sheep | About 38.3–39.9°C | About 100.9–103.8°F | Consider age, weather and the animal’s overall condition. |
| Goats | About 38.5–39.7°C | About 101.3–103.5°F | Handling, activity and environmental conditions matter. |
| Pigs | About 38.7–39.8°C | About 101.7–103.6°F | Age and housing temperature affect interpretation. |
| Rabbits | About 38.5–40.0°C | About 101.3–104.0°F | Heat exposure can become dangerous; handling should be gentle. |
| Chickens | Often about 40.6–43.0°C | Often about 105.1–109.4°F | Bird physiology differs from mammalian physiology; measurement methods differ. |
The chart is intended to help readers recognize that animal species cannot be compared using a single universal normal temperature. Some species, especially birds and small mammals, require specific handling and measurement procedures.
Dog Temperature: Celsius and Fahrenheit
A commonly cited resting rectal temperature range for a healthy adult dog is approximately 38.3–39.2°C, equivalent to about 101.0–102.6°F. A reading should be assessed alongside the dog's behavior and circumstances.
| Celsius | Fahrenheit | How to use the information |
|---|---|---|
| 37.0°C | 98.6°F | Below the commonly cited adult resting range; consider context and verify appropriately. |
| 38.3°C | 100.9°F | Near the lower end of a commonly cited reference range. |
| 38.5°C | 101.3°F | Within the commonly cited resting range for many adult dogs. |
| 39.2°C | 102.6°F | Near the upper end of that commonly cited range. |
| 40.0°C | 104.0°F | Concerningly high for many resting dogs; seek prompt veterinary advice. |
Exercise, fear, excitement, hot surroundings and struggling during measurement can influence readings. If a dog is lethargic, vomiting, breathing abnormally, weak or distressed, do not rely on temperature alone to decide whether care is needed.
Cat Temperature: Celsius and Fahrenheit
A commonly cited resting rectal temperature range for cats is approximately 38.1–39.2°C, or about 100.6–102.6°F. A stressed cat may have a different reading from a calm cat, and the technique used can affect reliability.
When a reading seems high
Keep the cat calm and contact a veterinarian for advice if the temperature is elevated or the cat appears unwell. Avoid forcing a measurement if it could cause injury or severe distress.
When a reading seems low
An unexpectedly low reading, especially with weakness, unusual sleepiness, cold extremities or poor responsiveness, should be taken seriously. Seek veterinary guidance promptly.
Do not assume that a cat is healthy simply because its temperature falls within a reference range. Appetite, hydration, breathing, mobility, behavior and other clinical findings also matter.
Temperature Conversion for Horses, Livestock, Rabbits and Birds
Horses
Horse temperature records may be kept in Celsius or Fahrenheit. Exercise, transport, weather and handling can affect readings. When assessing a horse, interpret temperature with heart rate, respiratory rate, appetite, behavior and other signs. A horse that appears distressed or significantly unwell needs veterinary assessment even if a reading is close to a reference range.
Cattle, sheep and goats
Farm animal readings should be interpreted using the correct species, age group and production context. Ambient heat, transport, handling, pregnancy, lactation and illness may influence results. If several animals have abnormal readings, consider environmental conditions and seek professional advice.
Pigs
Pig temperature is interpreted in relation to age, housing, activity and signs of disease. A temperature measurement alone cannot distinguish infectious illness from environmental heat stress or other causes.
Rabbits and small mammals
Rabbits and other small mammals can be vulnerable to heat, stress and handling. A measurement should be taken only with a suitable technique. If an animal is weak, breathing rapidly, unable to move normally or exposed to excessive heat, seek veterinary advice rather than repeatedly attempting to measure it.
Birds and poultry
Birds naturally have different body temperatures from mammals. Species, age and measurement technique are particularly important. Do not use a dog or cat reference range to interpret a bird's temperature. Bird handling can also carry a risk of stress or injury, so use trained professional guidance.
Fever, Hyperthermia and Hypothermia in Animals
Temperature can help identify a problem, but it cannot independently establish its cause. Fever, environmental overheating and hypothermia are different processes and require different assessments.
Fever
Fever is a regulated rise in body temperature associated with a change in the body's temperature set point. It may occur with infection, inflammation and other conditions. A veterinarian determines whether the measured temperature is consistent with fever.
Hyperthermia
Hyperthermia is an excessive rise in body temperature that may occur when heat production or heat exposure exceeds heat loss. Heatstroke can be life-threatening and requires emergency veterinary care.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is an abnormally low body temperature. Causes can include cold exposure, illness, anesthesia and other conditions. Significant hypothermia needs veterinary assessment and controlled treatment.
Normal variation
Activity, stress, age, environmental conditions and measurement technique can influence a reading. An unexpected result may need careful confirmation using a suitable method.
What should you do after an abnormal reading?
- Check that the correct unit was recorded and converted.
- Consider whether the measurement method was appropriate and safe.
- Record the reading, time, method and any relevant symptoms.
- Contact a veterinarian if the reading is abnormal, unexpected or accompanied by illness.
- Follow the veterinarian's instructions instead of trying medication or extreme cooling or warming on your own.
How Temperature Is Measured in Veterinary Practice
The value displayed by a thermometer depends partly on how and where temperature is measured. Different devices and anatomical sites may not produce identical results.
Rectal thermometers
Rectal measurement is commonly used for dogs and cats when appropriate and safely performed. It can be uncomfortable, and an animal may move or bite if frightened. Use a suitable thermometer and follow veterinary instructions. Do not force the procedure if the animal is distressed or if you cannot perform it safely.
Ear thermometers
Ear thermometers estimate temperature using infrared measurements. Accuracy can depend on the device, positioning, ear anatomy, ear condition and the animal species. Follow the manufacturer's directions and the veterinarian's advice.
Skin and surface thermometers
Skin temperature is affected by circulation, coat, moisture, ambient temperature and contact with the sensor. A surface reading should not automatically be treated as core body temperature.
Environmental temperature
Air temperature in a kennel, stable, poultry house or animal transport vehicle is not the same as an animal's body temperature. Environmental monitoring is useful for welfare and heat-stress prevention, but the readings measure different things.
Temperature Differences Versus Actual Temperatures
An important calculation distinction is the difference between converting an absolute temperature and converting a temperature change. Absolute temperature conversion includes an offset; a temperature difference does not.
Converting a Celsius temperature difference
Temperature difference in °F = difference in °C × 9/5
A change of 1°C corresponds to a change of 1.8°F. For example, if an animal's measured temperature rises by 1.5°C, the difference is 2.7°F.
Converting a Fahrenheit temperature difference
Temperature difference in °C = difference in °F × 5/9
A change of 3.6°F corresponds to a change of 2°C.
Why the 32-degree offset does not apply to differences
Celsius and Fahrenheit scales have different zero points. When converting a single temperature, the zero-point offset must be included. When comparing two temperatures, the offset cancels out when the difference is calculated.
| Temperature change (°C) | Equivalent change (°F) |
|---|---|
| 0.1°C | 0.18°F |
| 0.5°C | 0.9°F |
| 1.0°C | 1.8°F |
| 1.5°C | 2.7°F |
| 2.0°C | 3.6°F |
| 3.0°C | 5.4°F |
| 5.0°C | 9.0°F |
Veterinary Temperature Conversion Examples
Example 1: Convert 38.5°C to Fahrenheit
Start with the Celsius reading and apply the conversion formula.
(38.5 × 9/5) + 32 = 101.3°F
Therefore, 38.5°C is equivalent to 101.3°F.
Example 2: Convert 102.2°F to Celsius
(102.2 − 32) × 5/9 = 39°C
Therefore, 102.2°F is equivalent to 39°C.
Example 3: Convert 40°C to Fahrenheit
(40 × 9/5) + 32 = 104°F
Therefore, 40°C is equivalent to 104°F. Whether that is clinically concerning depends on the species, circumstances and measurement method; for many resting pets, it warrants prompt veterinary advice.
Example 4: Convert 37.5°C to Fahrenheit
(37.5 × 9/5) + 32 = 99.5°F
Therefore, 37.5°C is equivalent to 99.5°F.
Example 5: Convert 311.65 K to Celsius
311.65 − 273.15 = 38.5°C
Therefore, 311.65 K is equivalent to 38.5°C.
Example 6: Calculate a change in temperature
If a recorded temperature changes from 38.0°C to 39.0°C, the change is 1.0°C.
1.0 × 9/5 = 1.8°F change
The two readings are 100.4°F and 102.2°F respectively, so the Fahrenheit difference is 1.8°F.
Example 7: Convert a Fahrenheit range
Suppose a reference gives a range of 100.0–102.0°F. Convert each endpoint separately.
100.0°F = 37.78°C
102.0°F = 38.89°C
The converted range is approximately 37.8–38.9°C. Keep sufficient precision for the purpose of the reference and do not round in a way that changes a clinical decision.
Common Veterinary Temperature Conversion Mistakes
1. Forgetting to add or subtract 32
Multiplying a Celsius temperature by 1.8 is not enough to convert it to Fahrenheit. Add 32 after multiplication. For Fahrenheit to Celsius, subtract 32 before multiplying by 5/9.
2. Using the wrong formula for a temperature difference
A temperature difference does not require the 32-degree offset. Apply the scale factor only.
3. Applying one species' range to another
A reading that may be expected for one species can be abnormal for another. Confirm that the reference belongs to the animal being assessed.
4. Ignoring measurement technique
Rectal, ear and surface measurements can differ. Record the site and method and compare like with like whenever possible.
5. Rounding too early
Keep the unrounded result during calculations and round only the final displayed value. Early rounding can produce small discrepancies when converting ranges or comparing records.
6. Treating the calculator as a diagnostic test
Conversion establishes mathematical equivalence, not the cause or severity of an animal's condition. Clinical interpretation requires appropriate veterinary assessment.
How to Record Veterinary Temperature Correctly
Consistent recording helps a veterinary team compare measurements over time and communicate clearly. A useful record should include more than a number alone.
- Animal: species and, where relevant, age and other identifying clinical details.
- Reading: the measured value and its unit, such as 38.5°C or 101.3°F.
- Time: date and time of measurement.
- Method: device and anatomical site used.
- Context: recent exercise, environmental heat, stress or other relevant circumstances.
- Symptoms: any observed changes in behavior, breathing, appetite or responsiveness.
When converting an existing record, retain the original measurement and clearly label the converted value. This avoids confusion if a later reader needs to check the calculation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert Celsius to Fahrenheit?
Multiply the Celsius temperature by 9/5 and then add 32. For example, 38.5°C equals 101.3°F.
How do I convert Fahrenheit to Celsius?
Subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit temperature and multiply the result by 5/9. For example, 102.2°F equals 39°C.
What is a normal temperature for a dog?
A commonly cited resting rectal temperature range for dogs is approximately 38.3–39.2°C (101.0–102.5°F). Individual variation and clinical circumstances matter.
What is a normal temperature for a cat?
A commonly cited resting rectal temperature range for cats is approximately 38.1–39.2°C (100.6–102.5°F). A veterinarian should interpret the reading alongside the animal’s condition.
Can I use the same temperature range for every animal?
No. Normal temperatures vary among species, breeds, age groups, physiological states, environmental conditions and measurement methods. Use a reference appropriate to the animal.
Does a converted temperature tell me whether an animal is sick?
No. Conversion changes the unit, not the clinical meaning. A veterinarian must interpret the measurement with symptoms, history, measurement method and other findings.
Can I convert a temperature difference using the same formula?
No. Temperature differences do not include the 32-degree offset. Convert a Celsius difference to Fahrenheit by multiplying by 9/5, and a Fahrenheit difference to Celsius by multiplying by 5/9.
When should I contact a veterinarian about temperature?
Contact a veterinarian promptly if an animal has an unexpectedly high or low reading, appears weak or distressed, has breathing difficulty, collapses, has seizures, or shows other concerning symptoms. Severe symptoms warrant emergency veterinary care.
Veterinary Information Disclaimer
VetBD provides this calculator and reference material for general educational and informational use. It is not a veterinary examination, diagnosis, treatment plan or substitute for professional advice.
Animal temperature ranges vary, and no single number can establish whether an animal is healthy or unwell. Seek advice from a qualified veterinarian for an abnormal reading, concerning symptoms, or any question about an animal's health. If the animal appears critically ill, contact an emergency veterinary service immediately.