Why Convert Degrees Fahrenheit to Degrees Celsius?
Converting between degrees fahrenheit (°F) and degrees celsius (°C) is one of the most common temperature conversions. Whether for engineering, cooking, travel, or science, knowing how to quickly convert °F to °C saves time and prevents errors.
Temperature conversion between °F and °C is crucial for international travelers, medical professionals, and scientists. When traveling abroad, weather forecasts and thermostat settings use different scales — the US uses Fahrenheit while most countries use Celsius. Medical contexts are particularly critical: a body temperature of 37.0°C (98.6°F) is normal, but 38.0°C (100.4°F) indicates fever. In cooking, oven temperatures differ dramatically between recipes from different regions.
How to Convert Degrees Fahrenheit to Degrees Celsius
To convert degrees fahrenheit to degrees celsius, use the following formula:
°C = (°F − 32) × 5/9
Example: 1 °F = -17.22222222 °C
For example, 5 °F = -15 °C, 10 °F = -12.22222222 °C, and 100 °F = 37.77777778 °C. Our calculator above performs this conversion instantly with full precision — no rounding errors.
Common Use Cases
- Normal body temperature (98.6 °F): 98.6 °F = 37 °C
- Comfortable room temperature: 72 °F = 22.22222222 °C
- Water freezing point (32 °F): 32 °F = 0 °C
- Water boiling point (212 °F): 212 °F = 100 °C
- Common oven baking temperature: 350 °F = 176.6666667 °C
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Linear assumption: Temperature conversion between °C and °F is NOT a simple multiplication — it involves both scaling and offset. Always use the full formula.
- Negative values: Below -40, Celsius and Fahrenheit values diverge significantly. -40°C = -40°F is the only point where they're equal.
- Body temperature precision: Normal body temperature is 37.0°C (98.6°F), but a fever starts at 37.5°C (99.5°F). The 0.5°C difference matters medically.
Pro Tips
- Memorize the factor: 1 °F = -17.22222222 °C. For quick mental math, remember this base conversion.
- Quick reference: 5 °F = -15 °C · 10 °F = -12.22222222 °C · 25 °F = -3.888888889 °C · 50 °F = 10 °C · 100 °F = 37.77777778 °C
- Bookmark this page: Save this converter for instant access. It works offline once loaded — no internet needed.
Degrees Fahrenheit to Degrees Celsius Conversion Table
| °F | °C |
|---|---|
| -40 °F | -40 °C |
| -20 °F | -28.88888889 °C |
| 0 °F | -17.77777778 °C |
| 10 °F | -12.22222222 °C |
| 20 °F | -6.666666667 °C |
| 25 °F | -3.888888889 °C |
| 30 °F | -1.111111111 °C |
| 37 °F | 2.777777778 °C |
| 40 °F | 4.444444444 °C |
| 50 °F | 10 °C |
| 60 °F | 15.55555556 °C |
| 80 °F | 26.66666667 °C |
| 100 °F | 37.77777778 °C |
All values in this table are mathematically exact per NIST SP 811.