Fahrenheit to Celsius Conversion Calculator: Free Online Tool
Convert degrees Fahrenheit to degrees Celsius with our free online temperature converter.
Fahrenheit to Celsius Calculator
How to Use the Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Fahrenheit).
- The converted value in Celsius will appear automatically in the 'To' field.
- Use the dropdown menus to select different units within the Temperature category.
- Click the swap button (⇌) to reverse the conversion direction.
How to Convert Fahrenheit to Celsius
Temperature conversions like Fahrenheit to Celsius use specific non-linear formulas.
Formula:
°C = (°F - 32) × 5/9Example Calculation:
Convert 10°F: (10 - 32) × 5/9 = -12.2°C
Disclaimer: For Reference Only
These conversion results are provided for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the precision of these results, especially for conversions involving extremely large or small numbers which may be subject to the inherent limitations of standard computer floating-point arithmetic.
Not for professional use. Results should be verified before use in any critical application. View our Terms of Service for more information.
What is a Fahrenheit and a Celsius?
Degree Fahrenheit (°F) is a unit of temperature on the Fahrenheit scale, a temperature scale developed by Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit. On this scale, the freezing point of water is defined as 32°F and the boiling point as 212°F, placing the two points 180 degrees apart. It is primarily used in the United States and a few other countries for everyday temperature measurements.
Degree Celsius (°C) is a unit of temperature on the Celsius scale, a temperature scale named after the Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius. It is one of the most common temperature scales used worldwide, particularly in science and in most countries for everyday measurements. The scale defines 0°C as the freezing point of water and 100°C as the boiling point of water at standard atmospheric pressure.
Note: The Fahrenheit is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The Celsius belongs to the metric (SI) system.
History of the Fahrenheit and Celsius
The Fahrenheit scale was proposed in 1724 by the physicist Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit. He initially defined 0°F based on the temperature of a brine solution (ice, water, and ammonium chloride) and set human body temperature at 96°F. Later refinements adjusted the scale so that water's freezing point was exactly 32°F and boiling point exactly 212°F.
The Celsius scale was developed by Anders Celsius in 1742. Originally, he proposed a scale where 0° represented the boiling point of water and 100° represented the freezing point. This scale was later inverted by Carl Linnaeus or Jean-Pierre Christin to the form we use today. The degree Celsius was adopted as part of the International System of Units (SI), where it is defined relative to the Kelvin scale (0°C = 273.15 K).
Common Uses for degrees Fahrenheit and degrees Celsius
Explore the typical applications for both Fahrenheit (imperial/US) and Celsius (metric) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for degrees Fahrenheit
- US Weather: Everyday weather reporting and forecasting in the United States and its territories.
- US Domestic: Domestic temperature settings (thermostats, ovens) in the US.
- US Medical: Medical temperature measurements in the US.
- US Culinary: Some cooking applications, particularly in recipes originating from the US.
Common Uses for degrees Celsius
- Weather: Everyday weather reporting and forecasting in most parts of the world.
- Domestic: Domestic temperature settings (thermostats, ovens).
- Science: Scientific research, especially in chemistry and biology, alongside Kelvin.
- Medical: Medical temperature measurements.
- Culinary: Food storage and cooking temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Fahrenheit (°F)
Why is the freezing point of water 32°F?
Fahrenheit's initial scale used different reference points. When the scale was later standardized using water, the freezing point landed at 32°F based on the original scale's divisions.
How does Fahrenheit relate to Celsius?
The relationship is linear but involves an offset. To convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, use the formula: °C = (°F - 32) * 5/9. To convert Celsius to Fahrenheit: °F = (°C * 9/5) + 32.
Where is Fahrenheit still commonly used?
The United States is the primary country that uses Fahrenheit for everyday temperature measurements. It's also used in some Caribbean countries and US territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Most other countries use Celsius.
About Celsius (°C)
Is Celsius the same as Centigrade?
Yes, 'Celsius' and 'Centigrade' refer to the same temperature scale. The name was officially changed to Celsius in 1948 to honor Anders Celsius and avoid confusion with 'centigrade' as an angular unit.
How does Celsius relate to Kelvin?
The Celsius scale is defined relative to the Kelvin scale, the SI base unit for temperature. A temperature difference of 1°C is equal to a difference of 1 K. To convert Celsius to Kelvin, add 273.15 (K = °C + 273.15).
Why is Celsius used so widely?
Its definition based on the freezing and boiling points of water at standard pressure makes it intuitive for everyday life and many scientific applications. It provides a convenient reference range for common environmental temperatures.