Newton to Celsius Converter

How to Convert Newton to Celsius

To convert a temperature from newton to celsius, use the following formula:

This formula accounts for both the different degree sizes and the different zero points of the Newton and Celsius temperature scales.

What Is Newton?

The Newton scale (symbol: °N) is a temperature scale devised by Sir Isaac Newton around 1701. It is one of the earliest attempts to create a quantitative temperature scale, predating both the Fahrenheit and Celsius scales. Newton defined his scale based on two reference points: the freezing point of water at 0 °N and the boiling point of water at 33 °N. This means the Newton scale divides the range between freezing and boiling water into 33 equal parts, as opposed to 100 for Celsius and 180 for Fahrenheit. The conversion between Celsius and Newton is: °N = °C × 33/100. So 0 °C = 0 °N, 100 °C = 33 °N, and 37 °C (body temperature) ≈ 12.21 °N. Newton described his scale in the anonymous paper “Scala graduum Caloris” (Scale of the Degrees of Heat), published in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society in 1701. He used linseed oil as his thermometric substance rather than mercury. Today, the Newton temperature scale is entirely obsolete and is only encountered in the history of science, physics education, and temperature conversion exercises. It should not be confused with the newton (N), which is the SI unit of force.

Key newton equivalences:

• 0 °N = 0 °C = 32 °F (freezing point of water)
• 33 °N = 100 °C = 212 °F (boiling point of water)
• 12.21 °N = 37 °C = 98.6 °F (body temperature)
• −90.14 °N = −273.15 °C = 0 K (absolute zero)
• 1 °N change = 100/33 °C change ≈ 3.03 °C change

What Is Celsius?

Celsius (symbol: °C) is a temperature scale defined by the International System of Units (SI). It is named after the Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius, who proposed a similar scale in 1742. The Celsius scale is defined such that 0 °C is the freezing point of water and 100 °C is the boiling point of water at standard atmospheric pressure (101.325 kPa). In the modern SI, Celsius is defined in terms of the kelvin: a temperature in Celsius equals the temperature in kelvins minus 273.15 (°C = K − 273.15). Celsius is the most widely used temperature scale in the world, used by virtually all countries for everyday temperature measurement, weather forecasting, cooking, and science. Only the United States, and a few other territories, primarily use Fahrenheit for everyday purposes. In science and medicine, normal human body temperature is approximately 37 °C (98.6 °F). Water freezes at 0 °C and boils at 100 °C. Room temperature is typically considered 20–25 °C. The coldest recorded natural temperature on Earth was −89.2 °C (Vostok Station, Antarctica, 1983), and the hottest was 56.7 °C (Death Valley, California, 1913).

Key celsius equivalences:

• 0 °C = 32 °F (freezing point of water)
• 0 °C = 273.15 K
• 0 °C = 491.67 °R
• 0 °C = 150 °De
• 0 °C = 0 °N
• 100 °C = 212 °F (boiling point of water)
• 100 °C = 373.15 K
• 37 °C ≈ 98.6 °F (body temperature)

Understanding Temperature Scales

Temperature is a fundamental physical quantity that measures the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance. Different temperature scales were developed at different times in history, each with its own reference points and degree sizes.

Unlike most other unit conversions (length, mass, etc.) which involve simple multiplication, temperature conversions require both multiplication/division AND addition/subtraction because temperature scales have different zero points.

The Six Temperature Scales

• Celsius (°C): Defined by the freezing (0 °C) and boiling (100 °C) points of water. The most widely used scale worldwide for everyday and scientific purposes.
• Fahrenheit (°F): Defined with water freezing at 32 °F and boiling at 212 °F (180 degrees apart). Primarily used in the United States.
• Kelvin (K): The SI absolute temperature scale. Zero kelvin (0 K = −273.15 °C) is absolute zero. Uses Celsius-sized degrees. Standard in science.
• Rankine (°R): An absolute temperature scale using Fahrenheit-sized degrees. 0 °R = 0 K = −459.67 °F. Used in some US engineering applications.
• Delisle (°De): A historical inverted scale where higher values mean colder temperatures. Water boils at 0 °De and freezes at 150 °De. Invented by Joseph-Nicolas Delisle in 1732.
• Newton (°N): A historical scale devised by Isaac Newton around 1701. Water freezes at 0 °N and boils at 33 °N. Proportional to Celsius (°N = °C × 33/100).

Key Reference Temperatures

• Absolute zero: 0 K = −273.15 °C = −459.67 °F = 0 °R. The lowest possible temperature.
• Water freezing: 273.15 K = 0 °C = 32 °F = 491.67 °R = 150 °De = 0 °N
• Human body: 310.15 K = 37 °C = 98.6 °F = 558.27 °R = 94.5 °De = 12.21 °N
• Water boiling: 373.15 K = 100 °C = 212 °F = 671.67 °R = 0 °De = 33 °N
• Scales intersect: −40 °C = −40 °F (the only point where Celsius and Fahrenheit are equal)

Why Temperature Conversion Is Different

Most unit conversions (metres to feet, grams to ounces) involve multiplying by a single conversion factor. Temperature is different because the scales have different zero points. Converting between Celsius and Fahrenheit, for example, requires both multiplication (to account for different degree sizes: 180 °F vs 100 °C) and addition (to account for the offset: 32 °F = 0 °C).

The exceptions are the purely proportional pairs: Celsius–Newton (°N = °C × 33/100) and Kelvin–Rankine (°R = K × 9/5), where the zero points are the same (0 °C = 0 °N, 0 K = 0 °R).

Tips for Temperature Conversions

• The quick Celsius ↔ Fahrenheit estimate: double the Celsius value and add 30. For example, 20 °C ≈ 2 × 20 + 30 = 70 °F (actual: 68 °F). Good enough for everyday use.
• Remember the key points: 0 °C = 32 °F (freezing), 100 °C = 212 °F (boiling), 37 °C = 98.6 °F (body temp), −40 °C = −40 °F.
• For Celsius to Kelvin, simply add 273.15. For Fahrenheit to Rankine, add 459.67. These are the easiest temperature conversions.
• Kelvin and Rankine are “absolute” scales starting at absolute zero. They cannot have negative values for physically meaningful temperatures.
• The Delisle scale runs backwards: higher numbers mean colder. 0 °De is hot (boiling water), 150 °De is cold (freezing water).
• The Newton temperature scale (°N) should not be confused with the newton (N), which is the SI unit of force. Context makes the distinction clear.
• Temperature differences convert differently from absolute temperatures. A change of 1 °C = 1 K = 1.8 °F = 1.8 °R. But an absolute temperature of 1 °C ≠ 1.8 °F.
• In scientific contexts, always use kelvin for thermodynamic calculations (gas laws, radiation, entropy). Celsius is acceptable for temperature differences and everyday science.

Newton to Celsius Conversion Table

The following table shows conversions from newton to celsius.

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