Fahrenheit to Celsius Converter
Convert Fahrenheit to Celsius instantly using the exact formula: °C = (°F − 32) × 5/9. Enter any Fahrenheit temperature below to get the Celsius value, practical meaning, and common reference points for weather, body temperature, cooking and science.
Quick answer: to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit value, then multiply by 5/9. For example, 68°F = 20°C, 32°F = 0°C, and 212°F = 100°C.
Fahrenheit to Celsius Calculator
Example: enter 32 for freezing point, 68 for room temperature, 98.6 for body temperature, or 212 for boiling point.
Fahrenheit
Celsius
32°F = 0°C (Water freezing point)
Fahrenheit to Celsius Formula
Exact conversion formula
\[ °C = \frac{(°F - 32) \times 5}{9} \]
Or equivalently:
\[ °C = (°F - 32) \times \frac{5}{9} \]
Decimal version
\[ °C = (°F - 32) \times 0.5556 \]
The decimal 0.5556 is an approximation of 5/9.
Why the formula works
The Fahrenheit and Celsius scales use different zero points and different degree sizes. Water freezes at 32°F and 0°C, so the formula first subtracts 32 to remove the Fahrenheit offset. Water boils at 212°F and 100°C, so the 180-degree Fahrenheit span matches a 100-degree Celsius span. The ratio is 100/180 = 5/9.
Step-by-Step Conversion Examples
Example 1: Convert 68°F to Celsius
Step 1: Subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit value: 68 − 32 = 36
Step 2: Multiply by 5/9: 36 × 5/9 = 20
Result: 68°F = 20°C
68°F is a common room-temperature reference.
Example 2: Convert 98.6°F to Celsius
\[ °C = (98.6 - 32) \times \frac{5}{9} \]
\[ °C = 66.6 \times \frac{5}{9} = 37 \]
Result: 98.6°F = 37°C
This is a common normal body-temperature reference.
Fahrenheit to Celsius Chart
Use this quick chart for common weather, body temperature and cooking references.
| Fahrenheit (°F) | Celsius (°C) | Common meaning |
|---|---|---|
| -40°F | -40°C | Equal point in both scales |
| 0°F | -17.8°C | Very cold winter day |
| 32°F | 0°C | Water freezing point |
| 50°F | 10°C | Cool day |
| 68°F | 20°C | Room temperature |
| 77°F | 25°C | Comfortable warm day |
| 86°F | 30°C | Hot summer day |
| 98.6°F | 37°C | Normal body temperature reference |
| 212°F | 100°C | Water boiling point |
Celsius to Fahrenheit Conversion
Reverse conversion formula
\[ °F = \frac{°C \times 9}{5} + 32 \]
Or equivalently:
\[ °F = (°C \times 1.8) + 32 \]
Quick Mental Conversion Tricks
Fahrenheit to Celsius estimate
Subtract 30, then divide by 2. Example: 80°F → (80 − 30) ÷ 2 = about 25°C. The exact answer is 26.7°C.
Celsius to Fahrenheit estimate
Double the Celsius value, then add 30. Example: 20°C → 40 + 30 = about 70°F. The exact answer is 68°F.
Remember the anchors
32°F = 0°C, 68°F = 20°C, 98.6°F = 37°C, and 212°F = 100°C. These anchors make most everyday conversions easier.
Understanding Fahrenheit and Celsius
What is Fahrenheit?
The Fahrenheit scale is a temperature scale where water freezes at 32°F and boils at 212°F under standard atmospheric pressure. It is mainly used for everyday temperature measurements in the United States and a small number of other places.
What is Celsius?
The Celsius scale, also called centigrade, is a temperature scale where water freezes at 0°C and boils at 100°C under standard atmospheric pressure. It is the common temperature scale for most countries, science, medicine and international weather reporting.
Key idea: both scales measure the same physical temperature. The difference is the zero point and the size of each degree. That is why the formula needs both a subtraction step and a multiplication step.
Practical Uses for Fahrenheit to Celsius Conversion
Weather and travel
Travelers often need Fahrenheit to Celsius conversion when reading international forecasts. A temperature of 86°F is 30°C, which feels like a hot day in most climates.
Cooking and baking
Oven temperatures often need conversion between American recipes and metric ovens. Common references include 350°F ≈ 177°C, 375°F ≈ 191°C, and 400°F ≈ 204°C.
Science and medicine
Scientific and medical contexts commonly use Celsius. A normal body temperature reference of 98.6°F converts to 37°C, while fever thresholds may be given in either scale depending on location.
Special Temperature Points
| Temperature point | Fahrenheit | Celsius |
|---|---|---|
| Absolute zero | -459.67°F | -273.15°C |
| Equal point | -40°F | -40°C |
| Water freezes | 32°F | 0°C |
| Room-temperature reference | 68°F | 20°C |
| Water boils | 212°F | 100°C |
Fahrenheit to Celsius FAQs
What is the formula to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius?
The formula is °C = (°F − 32) × 5/9. Subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit value, then multiply by 5/9.
What is 32°F in Celsius?
32°F = 0°C. This is the freezing point of water at standard atmospheric pressure.
What is 98.6°F in Celsius?
98.6°F = 37°C. This is commonly used as a normal human body temperature reference.
What temperature is the same in Fahrenheit and Celsius?
-40° is the same in both scales, so -40°F = -40°C.
How do I convert Celsius to Fahrenheit?
Use °F = (°C × 9/5) + 32. You can also multiply Celsius by 1.8 and then add 32.
Is Celsius more accurate than Fahrenheit?
No. Accuracy depends on the thermometer or measuring instrument, not the scale. Celsius and Fahrenheit can both be precise; they simply use different reference points and degree sizes.
Related RevisionTown Tools
Use these related tools when your conversion work moves from temperature to length, area or measurement planning.
Note: This Fahrenheit to Celsius converter uses the standard conversion formula: °C = (°F − 32) × 5/9. Results are rounded for practical use. For scientific work involving absolute temperature, use Kelvin where required.
