Room temperature generally refers to the range of air temperatures that most people find comfortable indoors while wearing typical clothing. It is not a single fixed temperature but rather a range that can vary depending on climate, individual preference, and context. Common definitions and ranges:
- The American Heritage Dictionary and Oxford English Dictionary commonly define room temperature as around 20 to 22 °C (68 to 72 °F)
- Scientific and industrial contexts often define room temperature as between 20 and 25 °C (68 to 77 °F)
- The U.S. Pharmacopeia defines "controlled room temperature" for pharmaceuticals as 20 to 25 °C (68 to 77 °F), with some allowable excursions
- Comfortable indoor temperatures for healthy adults are generally between 18 and 24 °C (64 to 75 °F), with a minimum of 20 °C (68 °F) recommended for infants, elderly, and those with health issues
- In hotter climates, comfortable room temperatures may be higher, such as 24–29 °C (75–84 °F) in Indonesia or 26–32 °C (79–90 °F) in parts of India
In everyday usage:
- Room temperature is often considered roughly 21 °C (70 °F), which is a common indoor thermostat setting in many homes
- It is a shorthand for temperatures that are neither refrigerated nor heated, typically comfortable for human occupancy
Summary:
Context| Typical Room Temperature Range
---|---
General comfort indoors| 20–22 °C (68–72 °F)
Scientific/industrial| 20–25 °C (68–77 °F)
Pharmaceutical storage| 20–25 °C (68–77 °F), with excursions allowed
Health recommendations| 18–24 °C (64–75 °F), minimum 20 °C for vulnerable
groups
Hot climates| Up to 29–32 °C (84–90 °F)
Thus, room temperature is best understood as a comfortable indoor temperature range roughly between 20 and 25 °C (68 and 77 °F), with variations depending on context and location
