Fahrenheit to Celsius (°F to °C)

Fahrenheit to Celsius (°F to °C) conversion calculator

0°F = -17.778°C

Celsius to Fahrenheit (Swap units)

0°F = -17.778°C

Accuracy

Note: You can increase or decrease the accuracy of this answer by selecting the number of significant figures required from the options above the result.

Fahrenheit to Celsius calculation

Celsius = (Fahrenheit - 32) / 1.79999999

Celsius = (0 - 32) / 1.79999999

Celsius = -32 / 1.79999999

Celsius = -17.77777788

 

Fahrenheit to Celsius conversion formula

Celsius = (Fahrenheit - 32) / 1.79999999

Simple, quick °F to °C conversion

Fahrenheit to Celsius conversion is difficult to do in your head but a rough °F to °C conversion is actually quite easy – just take 30 from the Fahrenheit value and then half it. This should be reasonably accurate for weather temperatures.

Fahrenheit and Celsius definition

Fahrenheit and Celsius are two commonly used temperature scales around the world.

The Fahrenheit scale, developed by the German physicist Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit in the early 18th century, is primarily used in the United States and a few other countries. On the Fahrenheit scale, the freezing point of water is defined as 32 degrees, while the boiling point of water is set at 212 degrees. The scale is divided into 180 equal intervals between these two points.

The Celsius scale, also known as the centigrade scale, is used in most countries as the standard unit of temperature measurement. It was developed by the Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius in the mid-18th century. On the Celsius scale, the freezing point of water is defined as 0 degrees, and the boiling point of water is set at 100 degrees.

While both scales are widely used, the Celsius scale is considered more scientifically and globally accepted due to its simplicity and ease of conversion. The Celsius scale is based on the properties of water, making it more intuitive for scientific calculations and everyday use. However, the Fahrenheit scale is deeply ingrained in American culture and is still commonly used for weather forecasts, cooking, and other everyday temperature references in the United States.

Why is converting Fahrenheit to Celsius so difficult?

Converting Fahrenheit to Celsius can be challenging because the two temperature scales have different starting points and different intervals between each degree.

The Fahrenheit scale sets the freezing point of water at 32 degrees and the boiling point at 212 degrees, with 180 degrees between these two reference points whereas the Celsius scale sets the freezing point of water at 0 degrees and the boiling point at 100 degrees, with 100 degrees between these two reference points.

The difference in starting points and intervals between the two scales makes converting Fahrenheit to Celsius more complex. To convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, one must subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit temperature and then multiply the result by 5/9. This formula accounts for the different starting points and intervals between the two scales. However, the non-round numbers involved in the conversion can make it difficult to perform mentally without the use of a calculator or conversion chart.

Common conversions from Fahrenheit to Celsius

Absolute zero: -459.67°F = -273.15°C

Parity: -40°F = -40°C

Freezing point of water: 32°F = 0°C (at 1 atmosphere of pressure)

Average human body temperature: 98.6°F = 37°C

Boiling point of water: 212°F = 100°C (at 1 atmosphere of pressure)

 

Fahrenheit to Celsius table

Starting value
Increment
Accuracy
Format
Fahrenheit
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Celsius
-17.778°C
-17.222°C
-16.667°C
-16.111°C
-15.556°C
-15.000°C
-14.444°C
-13.889°C
-13.333°C
-12.778°C
Fahrenheit
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
Celsius
-12.222°C
-11.667°C
-11.111°C
-10.556°C
-10.000°C
-9.4444°C
-8.8889°C
-8.3333°C
-7.7778°C
-7.2222°C
Fahrenheit
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
Celsius
-6.6667°C
-6.1111°C
-5.5556°C
-5.0000°C
-4.4444°C
-3.8889°C
-3.3333°C
-2.7778°C
-2.2222°C
-1.6667°C
Fahrenheit
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
Celsius
-1.1111°C
-0.55556°C
0.0000°C
0.55556°C
1.1111°C
1.6667°C
2.2222°C
2.7778°C
3.3333°C
3.8889°C
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