Fahrenheit to Celsius Converter
Instant Temperature Conversion with Step-by-Step Explanation
Based on NIST & National Weather Service standards
🔥 Fahrenheit to Celsius
❄️ Celsius to Fahrenheit
How Temperature Conversion Works
🌡️ Understanding Fahrenheit & Celsius
Fahrenheit (°F) is used in the United States, while Celsius (°C) is used by most of the world. The two scales have different zero points and degree sizes: water freezes at 32°F (0°C) and boils at 212°F (100°C). The formulas convert between these scales by adjusting for both the offset (32°) and the ratio (9:5).
- Fahrenheit to Celsius: Subtract 32 from Fahrenheit, then multiply by 5/9.
- Celsius to Fahrenheit: Multiply Celsius by 9/5, then add 32.
- Quick Estimate (F→C): Subtract 30, then divide by 2 (approximate).
- Quick Estimate (C→F): Double the Celsius, then add 30 (approximate).
Conversion Formulas
Fahrenheit to Celsius
Celsius to Fahrenheit
Fahrenheit to Kelvin
Celsius to Kelvin
Common Temperature Conversions
| Description | Fahrenheit (°F) | Celsius (°C) | Kelvin (K) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Absolute Zero | -459.67 | -273.15 | 0 |
| Deep Freeze | -40 | -40 | 233.15 |
| Water Freezes | 32 | 0 | 273.15 |
| Refrigerator | 37 | 3 | 276.15 |
| Cool Day | 50 | 10 | 283.15 |
| Room Temperature | 68 | 20 | 293.15 |
| Warm Day | 77 | 25 | 298.15 |
| Hot Day | 86 | 30 | 303.15 |
| Body Temperature | 98.6 | 37 | 310.15 |
| Hot Tub | 104 | 40 | 313.15 |
| Water Boils | 212 | 100 | 373.15 |
| Oven Low | 250 | 121 | 394.15 |
| Oven Medium | 350 | 177 | 450.15 |
| Oven High | 450 | 232 | 505.15 |
Weather Temperature Reference
| Category | Fahrenheit | Celsius | What to Wear |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥶 Freezing | Below 32°F | Below 0°C | Heavy coat, gloves, hat |
| ❄️ Cold | 32-50°F | 0-10°C | Winter jacket |
| 🍂 Cool | 50-60°F | 10-15°C | Light jacket |
| 😊 Mild | 60-70°F | 15-21°C | Long sleeves |
| ☀️ Warm | 70-80°F | 21-27°C | T-shirt |
| 🔥 Hot | 80-90°F | 27-32°C | Light clothes |
| 🌡️ Very Hot | Above 90°F | Above 32°C | Stay hydrated! |
Cooking Temperature Guide
| Food/Setting | Fahrenheit | Celsius |
|---|---|---|
| Rare Steak | 125°F | 52°C |
| Medium Steak | 145°F | 63°C |
| Chicken (safe) | 165°F | 74°C |
| Bread Baking | 350°F | 177°C |
| Pizza Oven | 450-500°F | 230-260°C |
| Broiling | 500-550°F | 260-290°C |
Official Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
°C = (°F - 32) × 5/9. First subtract 32 from Fahrenheit, then multiply by 5/9 (or 0.5556). For example, 98.6°F: (98.6 - 32) × 5/9 = 66.6 × 0.5556 = 37°C.
32°F = 0°C. This is the freezing point of water — the temperature at which water turns to ice at standard atmospheric pressure.
100°F = 37.78°C. This is close to body temperature (98.6°F/37°C) and considered a hot day or mild fever.
-40° is the same in both scales! -40°F = -40°C. This is the only temperature where the two scales intersect.
Normal body temperature is 37°C (98.6°F). A fever is typically considered 38°C (100.4°F) or higher.
Fahrenheit was adopted in the US before the metric system became standard. While most countries switched to Celsius, the US retained Fahrenheit for everyday use, though scientific contexts use Celsius/Kelvin.
Water boils at 212°F = 100°C at standard atmospheric pressure (sea level). At higher altitudes, water boils at lower temperatures.
0°F = -17.78°C. Zero Fahrenheit was originally set as the coldest temperature Daniel Fahrenheit could create in his lab using a salt-ice mixture.
Quick trick: Subtract 30, then divide by 2. For 70°F: (70-30)/2 = 20°C. It's not exact (actual: 21.1°C) but close enough for everyday use.
Room temperature is typically 68-72°F (20-22°C). Most indoor thermostats are set in this range for comfort.
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Last Updated: January 2025