How to Convert Between Degrees Fahrenheit and Celsius

Close-Up Of Thermometer
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Converting between Fahrenheit and Celsius temperature scales is useful if you are working temperature conversion problems, work in a lab, or simply want to know how hot or cold it is in a country that uses the other scale! It's easy to make the conversion. One way is to look at a thermometer that has both scales and simply read the value. If you're doing homework or need to do a conversion in a lab, you'll want the calculated values. You can use an online temperature converter or else do the math yourself. 

Celsius to Fahrenheit Degrees

The formula to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit is:

F = 1.8 C + 32

  1. Multiply the Celsius temperature by 1.8.
  2. Add 32 to this number.
  3. Report the answer in degrees Fahrenheit.

Example: Convert 20°C to Fahrenheit.

  1. F = 1.8 C + 32
  2. F = 1.8 (20) + 32
  3. 1.8 x 20 = 36 so F = 36 + 32
  4. 36 + 32 = 68 so F = 68°F
  5. 20°C = 68°F

Fahrenheit to Celsius Degrees

It's easy to work the conversion the other way. The formula to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius is:

C = 5/9 (F-32)

  1. Subtract 32 from the degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Multiply the value by 5.
  3. Divide this number by 9.
  4. Report the answer in degrees Celsius.

Example: Convert body temperature in Fahrenheit (98.6°F) to Celsius.

  1. C = 5/9 (F-32)
  2. C = 5/9 (98.6 - 32)
  3. 98.6 - 32 = 66.6 so you have C = 5/9 (66.6)
  4. 66.6 x 5 = 333 so you have C = 333 / 9
  5. 333 / 9 = 37°C
  6. 98.6°F = 37°C

Converting to the Kelvin Scale

Other common conversions are between Fahrenheit and Kelvin and between Celsius and Kelvin:

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Your Citation
Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "How to Convert Between Degrees Fahrenheit and Celsius." ThoughtCo, Apr. 5, 2023, thoughtco.com/convert-between-fahrenheit-and-celsius-3976007. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2023, April 5). How to Convert Between Degrees Fahrenheit and Celsius. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/convert-between-fahrenheit-and-celsius-3976007 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "How to Convert Between Degrees Fahrenheit and Celsius." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/convert-between-fahrenheit-and-celsius-3976007 (accessed March 29, 2024).