Free Fahrenheit to Celsius Converter
Convert Fahrenheit to Celsius with this simple, accurate converter. Whether you're checking the weather, adjusting an oven, or understanding a fever, our tool gives you the exact Celsius equivalent in seconds.
Pick any units and edit either box — it converts instantly in your browser.
Quick answer
To convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, subtract 32 and multiply by 5/9. Water freezes at 0°C (32°F) and boils at 100°C (212°F).
Formula & method
°C = (°F − 32) × 5/9
Temperature scales have an offset, so this is not a simple multiplication.
Fahrenheit to Celsius — common values
| Fahrenheit (°F) | Celsius (°C) |
|---|---|
| 0 °F | -17.78 °C |
| 32 °F | 0 °C |
| 50 °F | 10 °C |
| 68 °F | 20 °C |
| 72 °F | 22.22 °C |
| 98.6 °F | 37 °C |
| 100 °F | 37.78 °C |
| 212 °F | 100 °C |
Examples
- Input
- 32 °F
- Result
- 0 °C
- Why
- The standard reference point where ice melts at sea level.
- Input
- 98.6 °F
- Result
- 37 °C
- Why
- The typical healthy human body temperature used in medical diagnostics.
- Input
- 72 °F
- Result
- 22.22 °C
- Why
- A widely accepted indoor climate for comfort in homes and offices.
- Input
- 212 °F
- Result
- 100 °C
- Why
- The temperature at which water vapor bubbles form at standard atmospheric pressure.
Common mistakes
- Treating temperature like a simple multiplication. Because the scales have an offset, you must add or subtract the constant — 0 °C is 32 °F, not 0 °F.
- Converting in the wrong direction. This page goes Fahrenheit → Celsius; rearrange the formula to reverse it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the exact formula for Fahrenheit to Celsius?
The formula is C = (F − 32) × 5/9. You subtract 32 to account for the offset of the Fahrenheit scale's freezing point, then multiply by the ratio 5/9 because a Celsius degree is larger (100°C span vs 180°F span for the same temperature range).
At what temperature is Fahrenheit equal to Celsius?
At −40 degrees. This is the unique point where −40°F = −40°C, making it a useful reference for extreme cold conditions.
Why is the conversion formula so complicated?
The two scales have different starting points (water freezes at 32°F but 0°C) and different degree sizes (180°F versus 100°C for the same range). This creates an affine transformation, not a simple multiplier.
How many decimal places do I need for cooking temperatures?
For cooking, one decimal place is usually sufficient since ovens typically allow ±5°C/10°F variation. However, for scientific work or precise recipes, two decimal places are recommended.
Is 98.6°F really normal body temperature?
It's a widely used reference, but modern studies suggest normal body temperature varies between 36.1°C and 37.2°C (97°F to 99°F). The 98.6°F figure dates back to 1868 German research.
What temperature should I set my oven to if a recipe says 375°F?
375°F converts to approximately 190°C. Most metric ovens allow 5°C increments, so you would typically set it to 190°C or the nearest marking.
Sources & references
- NIST Special Publication 1038: The International System of Units (SI)
- BIPM: The International Temperature Scale of 1990 (ITS-90)
External references open in a new tab. We are independent and not affiliated with these organizations.
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