Fahrenheit to Celsius Converter
Enter a value below to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius - the formula is °C = (°F − 32) × 5/9, so 32 °F is 0 °C and 212 °F is 100 °C. For the reverse, use our Celsius to Fahrenheit converter.
°C = (°F − 32) × 5/9, so 1 °F = -17.22 °C. Enter a value above to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius. Need the reverse? See Celsius to Fahrenheit.
Fahrenheit
- Definition
- The degree Fahrenheit (symbol: °F) is the unit of the Fahrenheit temperature scale, on which water freezes at 32 °F and boils at 212 °F at standard pressure. The 180-degree span between those points makes each Fahrenheit degree exactly 5/9 of a Celsius degree.
- History / origin
- The scale was devised by the physicist Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit in 1724. He set 0 °F using a freezing brine mixture and originally pegged the human body near 96 °F; the scale was later re-fixed to the freezing and boiling points of water at 32 °F and 212 °F.
- Current use
- Fahrenheit remains the primary scale for weather, cooking, and body temperature in the United States and a few associated territories. Most of the rest of the world uses Celsius, so converting between the two is a frequent everyday task.
Celsius
- Definition
- The degree Celsius (symbol: °C) is the unit of the Celsius temperature scale, on which water freezes at 0 °C and boils at 100 °C at standard atmospheric pressure. One degree Celsius is the same size as one kelvin, and the two scales are offset by 273.15 (0 °C = 273.15 K).
- History / origin
- The scale was proposed by the Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius in 1742. His original version was inverted - 0 for boiling and 100 for freezing - and was later flipped to today's orientation. It was long called "centigrade" before "degree Celsius" became the official name in 1948.
- Current use
- Celsius is the everyday temperature unit in almost every country and the standard for weather, cooking, medicine, and science worldwide, with the notable exception of the United States, which uses Fahrenheit for daily life.
Fahrenheit to Celsius conversion table
| Fahrenheit [°F] | Celsius [°C] |
|---|---|
| -40 °F | -40 °C |
| 0 °F | -17.7777777778 °C |
| 32 °F | 0 °C |
| 40 °F | 4.4444444444 °C |
| 50 °F | 10 °C |
| 68 °F | 20 °C |
| 98.6 °F | 37 °C |
| 100 °F | 37.7777777778 °C |
| 150 °F | 65.5555555556 °C |
| 200 °F | 93.3333333333 °C |
| 212 °F | 100 °C |
| 451 °F | 232.7777777778 °C |
Popular Fahrenheit to Celsius conversions
Everyday weather, body, and oven temperatures in Celsius, rounded to two decimals - the Fahrenheit values people look up most.
| Fahrenheit [°F] | Celsius [°C] |
|---|---|
| 32 °F | 0 °C |
| 40 °F | 4.44 °C |
| 50 °F | 10 °C |
| 60 °F | 15.56 °C |
| 70 °F | 21.11 °C |
| 72 °F | 22.22 °C |
| 90 °F | 32.22 °C |
| 98.6 °F | 37 °C |
| 100 °F | 37.78 °C |
| 350 °F | 176.67 °C |
| 400 °F | 204.44 °C |
| 450 °F | 232.22 °C |
How to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius
To convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, subtract 32 from the temperature and multiply by 5/9. Temperature is a non-linear conversion: the scales have different zero points, so you cannot use a single multiplier - the 32-degree offset must be removed before scaling.
°C = (°F − 32) × 5/9 = (°F − 32) ÷ 1.8
32 °F = 0 °C · 212 °F = 100 °C · -40 °F = -40 °C
Example. To convert 98.6 °F to Celsius, subtract 32 then scale by 5/9: 98.6 °F = (98.6 − 32) × 5/9 = 37 °C. A warm room at 68 °F = (68 − 32) × 5/9 = 20 °C.
When you need to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius
Fahrenheit-to-Celsius conversion is what you reach for when a US temperature has to be read on the metric scale. Common cases:
- Reading a US weather forecast in Fahrenheit when you are used to Celsius, or after arriving from abroad.
- Following an American recipe with oven temperatures in Fahrenheit on a Celsius-marked oven dial.
- Checking a body temperature taken in Fahrenheit against the familiar 37 °C benchmark.
- Entering a Fahrenheit reading into a thermostat, app, or instrument that expects Celsius.
- Reading US product or equipment data sheets in Fahrenheit for an audience that uses Celsius.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert Fahrenheit to Celsius?
Subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit temperature and then multiply by 5/9. For example, 98.6 °F = (98.6 − 32) × 5/9 = 37 °C. The full formula is °C = (°F − 32) × 5/9.
How many degrees Celsius is 1 degree Fahrenheit?
A reading of 1 °F equals about -17.22 °C. There is no single multiplier, because the scales do not share a zero point - you must subtract the 32-degree offset before scaling. A change of 1 °F does equal a change of 5/9 °C, though.
Is 32 degrees Fahrenheit equal to 0 degrees Celsius?
Yes. Water freezes at 32 °F, which is exactly 0 °C. Subtracting that 32-degree offset is the first step of the conversion.
What is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit in Celsius?
98.6 °F equals 37 °C, the figure usually quoted as normal human body temperature: (98.6 − 32) × 5/9 = 37 °C.
What is 350 degrees Fahrenheit in Celsius?
350 °F equals about 176.67 °C. This is a common baking oven setting: (350 − 32) × 5/9 = 176.67 °C, usually rounded to 175 °C.
What is 212 degrees Fahrenheit in Celsius?
212 °F equals 100 °C. That is the boiling point of water at sea level: (212 − 32) × 5/9 = 100 °C.
Why is -40 the same in Fahrenheit and Celsius?
At -40 the two scales cross: -40 °F = -40 °C. Solving (°F − 32) × 5/9 = °F gives exactly -40, the one temperature where both scales read the same number.
How do I convert Fahrenheit to Celsius in my head?
Subtract 30 from the Fahrenheit value and then halve it for a quick estimate. For example, 70 °F is roughly (70 − 30) ÷ 2 = 20 °C, and the exact value is about 21.11 °C.
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