Fahrenheit to Celsius Temperature Converter: Weather, Cooking & Science

Convert Fahrenheit to Celsius accurately with formula (°F - 32) × 5/9. Essential for weather comparison, cooking temperatures, and scientific data. Interactive calculator with examples.

Quick Values:
-17.222222

Formula: °C = °F × (x - 32) × 5/9

Precision Levels

1
Quick Estimation
1
Standard Use
1
Professional/Scientific

Fahrenheit to Celsius conversion is essential for anyone dealing with American temperature data in a metric world. Whether you're following an American recipe, interpreting US weather forecasts, or working with scientific data from different sources, this converter bridges the temperature divide between the two most common scales.

Why This Conversion Matters

The United States is virtually alone in using Fahrenheit for everyday temperature measurements, while the rest of the world uses Celsius. This creates daily challenges: American recipes confuse international cooks, weather apps need dual displays, scientific papers require conversions, and climate data must be standardized. Understanding this conversion is crucial for global communication, from casual cooking to critical scientific research.

pages.realWorldExamples

Cooking & Baking

Recipe conversion between American and international cookbooks is one of the most common uses. Oven temperatures, candy making, and meat thermometers all require accurate conversion to avoid culinary disasters.

Examples:

  • Baking temperature: 350°F = 176.67°C (standard for cakes)
  • Candy hard crack stage: 300°F = 148.89°C
  • Chicken safe internal temp: 165°F = 73.89°C

pages.proTips:

  • Most ovens round to nearest 5°C, so 350°F becomes 175°C or 180°C
  • Fan/convection ovens typically run 20°C cooler
  • Digital thermometers often switch between F and C with a button

Weather & Climate

Weather services worldwide use Celsius, but American broadcasts use Fahrenheit. Understanding both is essential for travel, climate research, and international weather discussions.

Examples:

  • Room temperature: 72°F = 22.22°C
  • Freezing point: 32°F = 0°C exactly
  • Hot summer day: 95°F = 35°C

pages.proTips:

  • Remember key points: 32°F = 0°C (freezing), 212°F = 100°C (boiling)
  • Each 9°F equals 5°C change
  • Negative Fahrenheit doesn't mean negative Celsius until -40°

Medical & Healthcare

Body temperature is measured differently worldwide. US hospitals use Fahrenheit while medical research uses Celsius. Fever thresholds and hypothermia definitions require precise conversion.

Examples:

  • Normal body temp: 98.6°F = 37°C
  • Fever threshold: 100.4°F = 38°C
  • Severe hypothermia: below 82°F = 27.78°C

pages.proTips:

  • Medical devices often display both units
  • Pediatric temperatures are especially critical to convert accurately
  • European fever threshold (38°C) equals exactly 100.4°F

Understanding the Units

About Fahrenheit

The Fahrenheit is a widely used unit for measuring temperature. It is commonly used in various applications and industries worldwide.

About Celsius

The Celsius is a widely used unit for measuring temperature. It is commonly used in various applications and industries worldwide.

Accuracy & Precision

This Fahrenheit to Celsius converter uses high-precision conversion factors to ensure accurate results for professional and academic use.

Our calculator provides results with up to 10 decimal places for maximum accuracy.

pages.frequentlyAskedQuestions

What's the easiest way to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius in my head?

For a rough estimate: subtract 30 and divide by 2. Example: 80°F - 30 = 50, divided by 2 = 25°C (actual: 26.67°C). For better accuracy, subtract 32, divide by 2, and add 10%. This works because 5/9 is roughly 0.5 + 10%.

Why does the US still use Fahrenheit?

Multiple factors: massive cost of changing road signs, weather stations, and industrial equipment; public resistance to change; and the fact that Fahrenheit works well for weather (0-100°F covers most habitable temperatures). Previous metrication attempts in the 1970s failed due to lack of mandate and funding.

Which temperature scale is more precise?

Fahrenheit has smaller degree increments (180 degrees between freezing and boiling vs 100 for Celsius), making it technically more precise for whole numbers. However, with decimals, both are equally precise. Scientists prefer Celsius because it aligns with Kelvin and the metric system.

What temperature is the same in both Fahrenheit and Celsius?

-40 degrees is identical in both scales. This is the only temperature where they intersect. It's extremely cold - colder than most freezers and approaching the temperature where many materials become brittle.

Do ovens in metric countries show Fahrenheit?

Most ovens in metric countries only show Celsius. However, many modern digital ovens can switch between units. American-made appliances exported globally often include both scales. Professional kitchens sometimes have both for international recipes.

Conversion Tips & Tricks

  • Water freezes at 0°C (32°F) and boils at 100°C (212°F)
  • Room temperature is typically 20-22°C (68-72°F)
  • Body temperature is 37°C (98.6°F)
  • Always double-check your conversions for critical applications
  • Use the exact conversion factor for maximum precision

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Convert Fahrenheit to Celsius | 1:-17.2 | Instant Calculator