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Fahrenheit to Celsius Converter

How to Convert Fahrenheit to Celsius

To convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, subtract 32 and multiply by 5/9. The formula is: °C = (°F - 32) × 5/9. The Fahrenheit scale is used daily in the United States for weather, cooking, and thermostats. Most other countries use Celsius. The -32 removes the offset (water freezes at 32°F vs 0°C), and ×5/9 scales the degree size (180°F range = 100°C range between freezing and boiling). Understanding this conversion is essential for international travel, following recipes from other countries, and interpreting global weather reports.

The °F to °C Formula Explained

The exact formula is: °C = (°F - 32) / 1.8. The factor 1.8 (or 9/5) exists because there are 180 Fahrenheit degrees between water's freezing (32°F) and boiling (212°F), compared to 100 Celsius degrees (0°C to 100°C). So 180/100 = 1.8. For quick mental math: subtract 30 and divide by 2. Example: 72°F → (72-30)/2 = 21°C (actual: 22.2°C — close enough for weather). This shortcut works well between 30°F and 100°F.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the formula for Fahrenheit to Celsius?

°C = (°F - 32) × 5/9, or equivalently °C = (°F - 32) / 1.8. Subtract 32 from Fahrenheit, then multiply by 5/9 (or divide by 1.8) to get Celsius.

What is 72°F in Celsius?

72°F = 22.2°C. This is a common room temperature and thermostat setting in the US. In Celsius-using countries, 22°C is considered comfortable indoor temperature.

What is 98.6°F in Celsius?

98.6°F = 37°C exactly. This is the standard normal human body temperature. A fever is generally considered 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.

How do I quickly estimate °F to °C?

Subtract 30 and divide by 2. Example: 80°F → (80-30)/2 = 25°C (actual: 26.7°C). This works within ±2°C for normal weather temperatures (30-100°F). For more accuracy, subtract 32 and divide by 1.8.

What is 350°F in Celsius for baking?

350°F = 176.7°C, typically rounded to 177°C or 180°C. This is the most common baking temperature in US recipes. In metric countries, the equivalent is usually stated as 180°C.

What temperature is the same in °F and °C?

-40 degrees is identical on both scales: -40°F = -40°C. You can verify: (-40 - 32) × 5/9 = -72 × 5/9 = -40. This is extremely cold — roughly the temperature of an arctic winter.