Crickets Chirping Thermometer Calculator
Calculate temperature from cricket chirping frequency using Dolbear's Law and other cricket species formulas
Cricket Thermometer Calculator
Most common cricket species in North America, used in Dolbear's original study.
Direct entry of chirps per minute
Choose temperature display unit
Alternative: Count Chirps in Time Interval
Count chirps for the selected time interval, then we'll calculate chirps per minute
Temperature Results
Cricket Species: Field Cricket (Gryllus spp.)
Formula used: T = 50 + (chirps/min - 40) ÷ 4
Accuracy range: 55-72°F (13-22°C) - Most accurate within this range
Analysis
Example Calculation
Summer Evening Cricket Count
Scenario: Camping on a warm summer evening
Cricket species: Field cricket (most common)
Observation: Count 20 chirps in 15 seconds
Chirps per minute: 20 ÷ 15 × 60 = 80 chirps/min
Temperature Calculation
Using Dolbear's formula: T = 50 + (chirps/min - 40) ÷ 4
T = 50 + (80 - 40) ÷ 4
T = 50 + 40 ÷ 4
T = 60°F (15.6°C)
Cricket Species Comparison
Field Cricket
Original Dolbear's formula
Most common in North America
Snowy Tree Cricket
Called "thermometer cricket"
Most accurate for temperature
True Katydid
Larger green insect
Distinctive "katy-did" call
How to Use
Find a quiet spot with cricket sounds
Use a timer or watch with seconds
Count chirps from one cricket, not a chorus
Count for 15-60 seconds for accuracy
Enter your count and get temperature
Understanding Dolbear's Law and Cricket Thermometers
What is Dolbear's Law?
Dolbear's Law, discovered by physicist Amos Dolbear in 1897, describes the relationship between air temperature and the rate at which crickets chirp. As cold-blooded creatures, crickets' metabolic rates increase with temperature, causing them to chirp faster in warmer conditions.
Why Does It Work?
- •Crickets are cold-blooded (ectothermic) animals
- •Their muscle contractions depend on chemical reactions
- •Chemical reactions occur faster at higher temperatures
- •Faster muscle contractions produce more frequent chirps
Cricket Species Formulas
Field Cricket (Dolbear's Original)
T = 50 + (chirps/min - 40) ÷ 4
Snowy Tree Cricket
T = 50 + (chirps/min - 92) ÷ 4.7
Common True Katydid
T = 60 + (chirps/min - 19) ÷ 3
Note: All formulas give temperature in Fahrenheit. Most accurate in the 55-72°F range.
How Do Crickets Chirp?
Contrary to popular belief, crickets don't chirp by rubbing their legs together. Instead, they use a process called stridulation, rubbing their wings together.
- •Comb-like vein on forewing creates sound
- •Scraper structure on rear edge of wing
- •Wings raise and lower rhythmically
- •Similar to fingernail across comb teeth
Why Do Crickets Chirp?
Cricket chirps are not random sounds - they serve specific communication purposes, primarily for mating and territorial behavior.
- •Calling song: Attracts females, repels males
- •Courting song: Encourages mating
- •Triumphal song: After successful mating
- •Aggressive song: When rivals are nearby