Convert Temperature from degrees Fahrenheit to degrees Celsius (fahrenheit to celsius)

How to Convert Fahrenheit to Celsius

Need to convert a temperature from Fahrenheit (°F) to Celsius (°C)? The easiest way is to use a simple formula. This formula is the key to understanding temperatures in a different scale, whether you're traveling, cooking, or just curious about the weather.

The Fahrenheit to Celsius Formula

The most common formula to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius is:

• °C = (°F - 32) × 5/9

A Step-by-Step Guide to Converting

Breaking the formula down into simple steps makes it easy to remember:

1. Subtract 32: Take the temperature in Fahrenheit and subtract 32 from it.
2. Multiply by 5/9: Take the result from Step 1 and multiply it by 5/9 (or by the decimal 0.5556).

This final number is the temperature in degrees Celsius.

Example Conversion: 77°F to Celsius

Let's see the formula in action. We'll convert a pleasant 77°F to Celsius.

• Step 1: 77 - 32 = 45
• Step 2: 45 × 5/9 = 25

So, 77°F is equal to 25°C.

What is a degree Fahrenheit (°F)?

A degree Fahrenheit (°F) is the unit of temperature used in the imperial system of measurement.

Who Invented the Fahrenheit Scale?

The Fahrenheit scale was created in 1724 by the German physicist Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit. He based his scale on three fixed points:

• The zero point (0 °F) was set by the temperature of a freezing mixture of brine (ice, water, and ammonium chloride).
• The second point (32 °F) was the freezing point of water, and the third (96 °F) was his best estimate of the average human body temperature.
• Later, the scale was tweaked so that the boiling point of water is exactly 212 °F—a full 180 degrees above freezing.

Where Is the Fahrenheit Scale Used Today?

While most of the world has adopted the Celsius scale for everyday temperature measurement, the Fahrenheit scale remains the official scale in the United States, its territories (like Puerto Rico and Guam), and a few other countries, including the Bahamas, Palau, and the Cayman Islands.

In the United Kingdom, both Fahrenheit and Celsius are used to describe temperature; Fahrenheit remains more familiar to older people and is often heard in casual conversation.

How to Convert Fahrenheit to Celsius (Formula)

You can easily convert any temperature from Fahrenheit to Celsius using a simple formula. To convert a temperature from Fahrenheit (F) to Celsius (C), subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit temperature and then multiply the result by 5/9.

The Fahrenheit to Celsius formula is: C = (F − 32) × 5/9

For example, to convert a pleasant day of 77 °F to Celsius: C = (77 − 32) × 5/9 = 45 × 5/9 = 25 °C

What is a degree Celsius (°C)?

A degree Celsius (°C) is one of the most common units for measuring temperature around the world. As a key part of the metric system, it's used in everything from daily weather forecasts to scientific research. It offers a straightforward and rational method for gauging the temperature of an object. The plural version is degrees Celsius.

Why Is Celsius Based on Water's Freezing and Boiling Points?

The Celsius scale is cleverly based on the physical properties of water. This relationship to a familiar substance makes it very easy to understand. Let's break it down simply:

• 0 °C is set as the freezing point of water.
• 100 °C is set as the boiling point of water.

This perfect 100-degree interval between freezing and boiling is why it was initially called a "centigrade" scale (from "centi-" meaning 100). This straightforward system is the reason Celsius is the standard for temperature measurement in most countries.

Who Invented the Celsius Scale (And Was It Backwards)?

In 1742, the Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius introduced his temperature scale, but with a surprising twist—it was upside down! He originally set 100° as the freezing point of water and 0° as its boiling point.

It was only after his death that the scale was flipped to the familiar version we use today, making it far more logical. This change is often credited to fellow scientist Carl Linnaeus.

How to Convert Celsius to Fahrenheit and Kelvin

Because Celsius is a global standard, knowing how to convert it to other scales, such as Fahrenheit (°F) and Kelvin (K), is useful. Here are the simple formulas to do it:

• Celsius to Fahrenheit (°F):
  • Formula: °F = (°C × 9/5) + 32
  • This scale is primarily used in the United States. For example, a pleasant 20 °C day is 68 °F.
• Celsius to Kelvin (K):
  • Formula: K = °C + 273.15
  • Kelvin is the official SI base unit for temperature and is mainly used in science. Note that Kelvin does not use the "degree" symbol.

degree Fahrenheit to degree Celsius Conversion Table

Here are some quick reference conversions from degree Fahrenheit (F) to degree Celsius (C):

This conversion in other languages

Engineering datasheets across Europe write degree Fahrenheit to degree Celsius several different ways. The calculation is the same in every one of them.