Celsius and Fahrenheit are two of the most commonly used temperature scales. If you need to understand a temperature given in another scale, knowing how to convert between Celsius and Fahrenheit is useful for travel, weather, cooking, science and everyday life.
What Is Celsius?
Celsius, represented by °C, is a temperature scale widely used around the world. It is part of the metric system and is commonly used for weather forecasts, cooking, science and everyday temperature measurements.
On the Celsius scale, water freezes at 0°C under standard atmospheric pressure and boils at 100°C.
Water freezes: 0°C
Water boils: 100°C
What Is Fahrenheit?
Fahrenheit, represented by °F, is another temperature scale. It is commonly used for everyday temperature measurements in the United States.
On the Fahrenheit scale, water freezes at 32°F and boils at 212°F under standard atmospheric pressure.
Water freezes: 32°F
Water boils: 212°F
Celsius to Fahrenheit Formula
To convert a temperature from Celsius to Fahrenheit, multiply the Celsius temperature by 9/5 and then add 32.
You can also write the formula as:
°F = (°C × 1.8) + 32
Example: Convert 20°C to Fahrenheit
Let's convert 20°C step by step.
°F = (20 × 9/5) + 32
°F = 36 + 32
°F = 68°F
20°C = 68°F
Fahrenheit to Celsius Formula
To convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit temperature and then multiply the result by 5/9.
Example: Convert 68°F to Celsius
Start with the Fahrenheit temperature of 68°F.
°C = (68 − 32) × 5/9
°C = 36 × 5/9
°C = 20°C
68°F = 20°C
Celsius to Fahrenheit Conversion Table
Here are some common Celsius temperatures and their approximate Fahrenheit equivalents.
Quick Celsius to Fahrenheit Examples
How to Convert Negative Celsius Temperatures
The same Celsius to Fahrenheit formula can be used for negative temperatures.
For example, let's convert -10°C.
°F = (-10 × 9/5) + 32
°F = -18 + 32
°F = 14°F
-10°C = 14°F
Temperature Examples in Daily Life
Understanding approximate temperature ranges can make it easier to interpret weather forecasts and everyday measurements.
Common Celsius and Fahrenheit Conversion Mistakes
Temperature conversion is straightforward, but a few mistakes are common.
- Forgetting to add 32 when converting Celsius to Fahrenheit.
- Subtracting 32 at the wrong point in the Fahrenheit to Celsius formula.
- Using 9/5 incorrectly as 5/9.
- Rounding too early during a calculation.
- Confusing Celsius and Fahrenheit symbols.
An Interesting Temperature: -40°
There is one particularly interesting point where Celsius and Fahrenheit have exactly the same numerical value.
This means that at -40 degrees, you do not need to perform a conversion to know the numerical value in the other scale.
When Is Celsius to Fahrenheit Conversion Useful?
Converting between Celsius and Fahrenheit can be useful in many situations.
- Checking weather forecasts from another country.
- Travelling internationally.
- Following recipes that use a different temperature scale.
- Understanding scientific information.
- Comparing temperatures from different sources.
Convert Temperature with Convertly
You can calculate Celsius and Fahrenheit conversions manually using the formulas above. However, an online converter can make repeated conversions faster and more convenient.
Convertly provides simple online conversion tools designed to help you convert common units quickly and accurately.
Try Convertly Tools →Conclusion
Celsius and Fahrenheit are two different temperature scales used around the world. Converting between them only requires a simple mathematical formula.
To convert Celsius to Fahrenheit, multiply the Celsius value by 9/5 and add 32. To convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, subtract 32 and multiply by 5/9.
For quick conversions, you can use an online temperature converter instead of calculating each result manually.