Freezing water
Freezing water is liquid water at the temperature where it begins to turn into ice under normal pressure.
How big is it?
0 °C · temperature
Also 32 °F
Temperature · defined reference
A little perspective
Freezing water vs Water triple point: temperature comparison
The temperature of freezing water is 0.01 K lower than the water triple point.
Freezing water is liquid water at the temperature where it begins to turn into ice under normal pressure.
The water triple point is the unique temperature and pressure at which water can exist simultaneously as solid, liquid, and vapour in equilibrium.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Freezing water
Temperature: 0 °C; defined reference.
Fresh water at about one atmosphere. Dissolved substances and pressure change its freezing point.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked temperature is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Water triple point
Triple-point temperature: 0.01 °C; specified.
The triple point of water is 273.16 K for a specified isotopic composition at its equilibrium pressure. It is distinct from ordinary freezing water at atmospheric pressure.
IAPWS — Fundamental physical constants of water
The marked triple-point temperature is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 0 °C
We compare the temperature of freezing water. This is an illustrative comparison value, not a claim that every example is the same.
Fresh water at about one atmosphere. Dissolved substances and pressure change its freezing point.
The picture identifies the subject; the diagram compares the recorded values. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 °C | Not recorded | defined reference |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueTemperatureA freezing winter day-10 °CTemperatureA freezing winter day is weather cold enough for outdoor water to turn to ice.Around the same scaleTemperatureWater triple point0.01 °CTriple-point temperatureThe water triple point is the unique temperature and pressure at which water can exist simultaneously as solid, liquid, and vapour in equilibrium.Nearest higher valueTemperatureRoom temperature20 °CTemperatureRoom temperature describes indoor air conditions generally considered comfortable for people and suitable for ordinary activities.Sources and method
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Curated comparisons
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
TemperatureAbsolute zero0 KAbsolute zero is the lowest temperature permitted by thermodynamics, where a system has the least thermal energy available to it.TemperatureRoom temperature20 °CRoom temperature describes indoor air conditions generally considered comfortable for people and suitable for ordinary activities.
SpaceSun1,391,000 kmThe Sun is the star at the centre of the Solar System.
Fundamental physicsPlanck temperature1.417 × 10³² KThe Planck temperature is a theoretical temperature scale at which quantum gravitational effects are expected to become important.TemperatureWater triple point0.01 °CThe water triple point is the unique temperature and pressure at which water can exist simultaneously as solid, liquid, and vapour in equilibrium.TemperatureGallium melting plateau at standard pressure29.76 °CThis is the temperature at which pure gallium changes from solid to liquid under normal atmospheric pressure.TemperatureA freezing winter day-10 °CA freezing winter day is weather cold enough for outdoor water to turn to ice.TemperatureA warm summer day30 °CA warm summer day is weather with outdoor air noticeably hotter than average, typical of summer in temperate regions.