🎻 Cricket Thermometer Calculator
Convert chirps into temperature using Dolbear’s law—a fun way to gauge nighttime weather.
How to Use This Calculator
Listen to crickets
Count chirps for 14 seconds or a full minute on a calm evening.
Enter the chirp count
Select the matching interval and input the number you heard.
View the estimate
Use the temperature output as a fun field guide—verify with a real thermometer for accuracy.
Formula
Fahrenheit = 50 + (Chirps/minute − 40) ÷ 4
Celsius = (Fahrenheit − 32) × 5/9
This is Dolbear’s law for the snowy tree cricket. Other species may require different constants, so use the estimate for fun, not official weather reporting.
Full Description
Naturalists have long used cricket chirps to gauge ambient temperature. Chirping speed increases with warmth as metabolism rises, making crickets a living thermometer.
For best results, measure during still nights when crickets are most active and temperatures are stable. Combine with barometric pressure or humidity data for deeper nature journaling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does species matter?
Yes. Dolbear’s law works best for snowy tree crickets. Other species may yield different temperatures.
What if I count chirps for 15 seconds?
Convert to per minute by multiplying by 4 to use the formula.
How accurate is the estimate?
Expect accuracy within a few degrees under ideal conditions. Verify with a thermometer when precision matters.
Can I use a smartphone recording?
Yes. Record chirps, count them later, and apply the formula for a retro nature experiment.